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Overview
Synopsis
Heinrich Faust--a German scientist, philosopher, alchemist, and erudite--believes that he has no more to learn. This thought propels him into despair, and on the verge of suicide, the demon Mephistopheles appears and promises unlimited knowledge and power. The cost is only Faust’s soul--on the condition that Faust will feel a moment of pure happiness and contentment. Faust agrees, and the two begin a tragic adventure of black magic, sin, and death. Based on the legend of Johann Georg Faust, Goethe’s Faust, Part One is one of the most profoundly influential dramatizations of the story and a true masterpiece of German theatre.
Show Information
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1808
- Genres
- Drama, Tragedy
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings, Spectacle
- Time & Place
- Germany, 1800s
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters
Context
The origins of the Faust story are uncertain and intriguing. The German legend maintains that Johann Georg Faust, in his desire to acquire more knowledge than anyone on Earth, makes a pact with the Devil. In exchange for his soul, Faust will be given unlimited insight and erudition. According to the original story, Faust was killed in an alchemical experiment; because his body was so badly damaged by the explosion, popular opinion arose that he must have bargained with the Devil and was
to read the context for Faust, Part One and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Preliminaries
The Dedication: The poet offers the presentation of his work. He calls on the spirits of the past and the innovation of his youth to help him write the poem, worried that he will not be able to fully bring it to life.
Prelude in the Theatre: The Director, Dramatist, and Comedian discuss how to present the play to an audience. The Director is interested in how to get people in the door, so he is most concerned about action in the play. The Dramatist wants his
to read the plot for Faust, Part One and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Either Gender |
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Featured |
Either Gender |
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Featured |
Either Gender |
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress