"Faust I" auf der Bühne

Faust, written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, is a two-part dramatic work that tells the story of a scholar named Faust who, dissatisfied with his life and seeking infinite knowledge and power, makes a pact with Mephistopheles, the Devil's representative. Part I focuses on Faust's despair, his pact with Mephistopheles, and his tragic love affair with Gretchen, which ends in her downfall. Part II is more allegorical and symbolic, following Faust through various experiences, including his life at court and his encounter with Helen of Troy, before his eventual salvation through God's grace and the intercession of Gretchen. The work is renowned for its blend of lyric, epic, dramatic, operatic, and balletic elements, and its exploration of theological, mythological, philosophical, and cultural themes.

Steppenwolf, written by Hermann Hesse, is a deeply philosophical and psychological novel that follows the life of Harry Haller, a 48-year-old man who identifies himself as a 'Steppenwolf,' feeling half-human and half-wolf. The novel delves into Harry's inner turmoil as he struggles to reconcile his intellectual and artistic side with his more primal, wolfish nature. Through his interactions with characters like Hermine, Pablo, and Maria, Harry is forced to confront his own dualism and the societal conventions he despises. The novel is known for its complex exploration of the human condition, incorporating elements of Eastern mysticism and Western culture, and culminates in a surreal and symbolic journey through the 'Magic Theater' where Harry's multiple selves are explored.