August Wilhelm Iffland
August Wilhelm Iffland was a prominent German actor, playwright, and theater director, born on April 19, 1759. Initially raised with expectations of pursuing a clerical career, he discovered a passion for acting, prompting him to run away from home at eighteen to study theater in Gotha. Under the mentorship of Hans Ekhof, Iffland rapidly advanced in his craft and secured a position at the Mannheim Theater in 1779, marking the start of his successful career. In 1796, he moved to Berlin, where he became the director of the national theater of Prussia and eventually held the title of general director of all royal presentations by 1811. Iffland was known for his specialization in domestic dramas and wrote a sixteen-volume collection titled "Dramatischen Werke" between 1798 and 1802. While his works faced criticism for lacking creativity, they were also praised for their clarity and simplicity. In addition to writing and directing, he frequently acted in his own plays, often portraying middle-class characters. August Wilhelm Iffland passed away on September 22, 1814, in Berlin, and is commemorated by a bronze statue in front of the Mannheim theater, erected in 1864.
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August Wilhelm Iffland
Actor
- Born: April 19, 1759
- Birthplace: Hanover, Germany
- Died: September 22, 1814
- Place of death: Berlin, Germany
Biography
August Wilhelm Iffland was born on April 19, 1759. His father rasied him with the hopes of August becoming a clergyman, but Iffland took a liking to acting and drama. At the age of eighteen, Iffland ran away from home, going to Gotha to prepare for a career in theater. At Gotha, he was taught by Hans Ekhof, and he made such spectacular progress that in 1779, he was able to take up a job at the Mannheim Theater. Thus began his rise to fame.
Iffland did exceptionally well at Mannheim, and he bolstered his reputation by playing in nearby towns as well. In 1796, he moved to Berlin, and there he became director of the national theater of Prussia. He resided in Berlin until 1811, when he was made general director of all presentations before royalty. While Iffland produced many works from many different playwrights, he was most comfortable with the domestic drama. His works have been criticized as showing poor creativity, but others praise them for their simplicity and cleanliness.
Iffland was also a drama critic, and German actors valued his opinions greatly. He wrote a sixteen-volume series, Dramatischen Werke, from 1798 to 1802. Not only was Iffland a director, playwright, and writer, but he also acted. His specialty was playing middle-class roles, many of which appeared in his own plays. Iffland died in Berlin on September 22, 1814. A bronze statue of him was built in front of the Mannheim theater in 1864.