Erdgeist

Prologue

Outside a circus tent, an animal-tamer greets the audience, punctuated by the sounds of drums and cymbals. He poetically proclaims the battle for man and beast within the tent. A stage hand carries in a young woman; it is Lulu, dressed as a Pierrot clown. The animal-tamer tells the audience that she was created to incite sin, and orders her carried away. He teases the audience regarding Lulu’s fate and what might happen to her throughout the course of the play. Finally, to conclude the prologue, the animal-tamer declares that he will battle the beast--the public who is present to watch the play--and he disappears into the tent.

Act One

The painter Schwartz is working on a portrait of Dr. Schön's fiancée in his studio. While he works, Schön questions whether or not Schwartz has ever been in love. The other man is hesitant to answer, implying that while he might have experienced love, he does not want to talk about it. In his flustered state, Schwartz knocks over another