Leonce and Lena

Leonce and Lena (German: Leonce und Lena) is a play by Georg Büchner (1813–1837) which is considered a comedy, but is actually a satire veiled in humor. It was written in the spring of 1836 for a competition 'for the best one- or two-act comedy in prose or verse' sponsored by the Stuttgart publisher Cotta. However, Büchner missed the submission deadline and the play was returned to him unread. It was premiered almost 60 years later, on May 31, 1895, in an outdoor performance by the Munich Company Intimes Theater, directed by Ernst von Wolzogen and with the involvement of Max Halbe and Oskar Panizza, illustrating the fact that Büchner only gained prominence as a writer in the 20th century.

Erich Kästner considered Leonce and Lena to be one of the six most important classic comedies of the German language.

There are two imaginary countries; the kingdom Popo and the kingdom Pipi. Prince Leonce of kingdom Popo and princess of kingdom Pipi have been arranged their political marriage. (Popo and Pipi are children’s language – Popo means “buttocks” and Pipi means “urine”.)

Prince Leonce is, in the garden, complaining about his own life as a “prince of Kingdom Popo”. He meets Valerio who is a lot different to him and will be his company later.

King Peter of the Kingdom Popo is being dressed up by valets. He concerns more with his duties as a King than with his people.

Leonce’s girl friend Rosetta is in his room and dances for him but he confesses he does not love her anymore, and so she goes out. The president of council comes in his room and reminds him of the wedding ceremony with Lena tomorrow. Leonce decides to escape the Kingdom to avoid the wedding.

Lena is in the garden with her governess. She tells governess that she does not want to get married a man who she does not know and love. She decides to run away with governess’s help to escape her arranged marriage.

Leonce and Valerio are in their way to Italy, and also Lena and governess are in their way to Italy.

Leonce and Valerio arrive an inn. In a bit later, Lena and governess arrive in the same inn. Leonce hears Lena’s voice and falls in love with her.

Lena and governess are in a room, but Lena goes out to go to garden.

Leonce and Lena meet in the garden. Leonce confesses to Lena he falls in love with her and kisses her but she runs away. That makes Leonce wants to commit to suicide by jumping into the river but Valerio stops him.

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