Die Entstehung von Hugo von Hofmannsthals Elektra
The Creation of Hugo von Hofmannsthal's Elektra

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the period of Elektra's creation and discusses both the aesthetic influences, as well as Hofmannsthal's personal circumstances, which prompted him to rewrite the Elektra material. In this period, three persons can be named who were of particular importance to Hofmannsthal's development as a dramatist. These are Hermann Bahr, Max Reinhardt, and Gertrud Eysoldt. The programmatic writings of H. Bahr such as The Overcoming of Naturalism (1981) and Dialogue from the Tragic (1904), but also Hermann Bahr's Friendship and Advice form a time mindy starting point for the drama. In addition, Max Reinhardt's production of Nachtasyl is an inspiration for a new theater model. To the particularly strong impression of the production of Maxim Gorky's Nachtasyl was also Gertrud Eysoldt's acting and talent for mime and pantomime also contributed to the particularly strong impression of the production of Maxim Gorky's Nachtasyl. All the above remarks are made with the help of the correspondence, the estate and the diaries of Hugo Eysold and diaries of Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Hermann Bahr and Gertrud Eysoldt prove. These sources also allow for the personal perspectives and assessments of the artists, which were decisive for the way Elekra was created, to be presented. One aim of this work is also to investigate whether the influence of the three personalities mentioned above may have contributed to the initial writing of the text as a drama that has been claimed so far.

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