Manfred Hausmann

Der dunkle Reigen
Mysterienspiel in 13 Bildern
4 D, 10 H, 1 Dek
UA: März 1951 · Hessisches Staatstheater, Wiesbaden
“The mystery play Der dunkle Reigen attempts to scenically revive medieval danses macabres. Twelve allegorical characters ascend the steep steps between Earth and Heaven, and Death himself leads them through a gothic church porch to eternity. From a verbal dispute between life and death, Hausmann develops a philosophy of Christian love of life, full of poetic maturity, human wealth and a truly poetical sense of scenic architecture. Everything is carried by lyrically blossoming musicality, which again and again achieves the tone of true and heartfelt poetry.” (Badische Neueste Nachrichten)