Theatre in Nazi Germany

Theatre in Nazi Germany had a huge impact on the country’s theatrical landscape. Under the regime, the arts (including theatre) were heavily controlled and mainly used for propaganda. The Nazis wanted to control every aspect of cultural expression to promote their own ideology and suppress any opposing voices. The Ministry of Propaganda imposed strict regulations on the content of plays and any practices by theatre companies. The only themes that were allowed on the stage were themes of nationalism, racial purity for the Aryan race, and anti-Jewish ideology.

The major significant change in German theater during the Nazi era was the introduction of “pure Aryan theater.” This was a movement completely introduced by Hitler and the Nazis and was a huge form of propaganda in that time. The plays were filled with antisemitism and promotion of the ideal looks. A play created during this time was The Eternal Jew, which painted the picture of the Jewish race threatening all Germans and being a parasite to everyone. Another play created during this time was The Fuhrer’s Face which glorified Adolf Hitler and all Nazis, portraying them as the saviors of Germany.

During this time, the Nazi regime implemented the Reichskulturkammer (Reich Chamber of Culture), which required all actors, directors, and playwrights to register with the state. The Nazis used to this to purge anyone they saw racially undesirable from the country. Many prominent playwrights, actors, and directors had to flee Germany during this time, looking for refuge in other countries. The established theater directors and playwrights who refused to leave were often put in brutal camps.

Through this brutal time, some artists and theater professionals found ways to resist and still perform shows in defiance. They used hidden messages or symbolism to convey their opposition to the Nazi regime. Some famous plays in this fashion were Mother Courage and Her Children and The Visit. These plays showed how brutal the conditions were and the horrors of living in Nazi Germany.

Theatre in Nazi Germany became a huge stage for propaganda and manipulation, ruining it for many. After the regime fell in 1945, German theatre slowly started rebuilding to become what it is today, an open space for all performers and playwrights.

Sources:

https://www.critical-stages.org/27/theatre-as-weapon-of-war-german-language-theatres-across-occupied-europe-during-wwii/