SOURCE: Isaacs, Edith J. R. “Concerning the Author of Herod and Mariamne.” Theatre Arts Monthly (December 1938): 886-90.

In the following essay, Isaacs considers the appeal of Hebbel's drama.

Twenty-five years ago every important theatre in Germany included some of Friedrich Hebbel's tragedies in its repertory, with Herod and Mariamne a prime favorite wherever there was an actress beautiful, majestic and magnetic enough to master the leading part. There were fine roles for actors in Hebbel's plays, but as material for the art of the actress such characters as Mariamne, Agnes Bernauer, Judith, and the noble Rhodope in Gyges and His Ring were unsurpassed. The plays themselves, whether in prose or verse, were mighty works.

Hebbel enjoyed conspicuous success during his lifetime; then for more than a generation his plays were neglected. There seemed to be little reason for the change and as little for Hebbel's sudden return to...