Paul Bekker in Kassel and Wiesbaden

Director of the Staatstheater Kassel

1925

The “Arme Heinrich” by Hans Pfitzner is first performed in Kassel (9/27/1925).
For the new production of Calderon’s “Das Leben ein Traum” Ludwig Meidner designs decoration and costumes, director: Dr. Rolf Prasch, music: Ernst Krenek.

1926

Paul Bekker stages Mozart’s “Magic Flute”.
Performance of “Orpheus and Eurydice”. Music: Ernst Krenek, Libretto: Oskar Kokoschka.
Ida Kerkovius creates drafts for “Turandot” performance.

1927

Bekker’s last production in Kassel: “Die Gezeichneten”, opera by Franz Schreker. Schreker is present in Kassel for the dress rehearsal, there are five performances, the fifth is broadcasted by radio.

General Director of the Prussian State Theater Wiesbaden

1927

Paul Bekker succeeds Carl Hagemann.

1929

Seven performances of “Der singende Teufel” by Franz Schreker.
Reintroduction of the May Festival (last in 1914) with first performance of “Die aegyptische Helena” by Richard Strauss under the direction of Richard Strauss.
First performance of “Benvenuto Cellini” by Hector Berlioz.

1931

German first performance of the opera “Mazeppa” by Peter Tchaikovsky.

1932

World premiere of “Die große Katharina” by Ignaz Lilien.
First performance of “Die Bürgschaft” by Kurt Weill.
The contract with Paul Bekker ends and is not being extended.

1933

In June Paul Bekker goes into exile.