Goethe was director of the Weimar Court Theatre from 1791 to 1817. During these years, which were characterized by political upheavals, he was not only a famous and influential poet but at the same time a close confidant of the Grand Duke Carl August and minister in his government. As theatre director he took advantage of both of his social functions and made the stage a place of communication of cultural policy. This study explores the influence of political events on Goethe's theatre conception and which role the stage played as political medium in the duchy.

Autorentext

Birgit Himmelseher, Hochschule für Musik und Theater, München.