Leonce and Lena

Book excerpt: Germany’s critically acclaimed Georg Buchner’s beloved play about love, humor, and humanity adapted by one of Switzerland’s most honored writers brings this tremendous piece of literature to young audiences as never before. In a comedy of errors, two young people, Leonce of Popo and Princess Lena of Pipi, are destined to make their peace in an arranged marriage. Horrified at the thought of not knowing their betrothed, they flee, but upon a chance meeting they are love struck. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lena departs leaving Leonce distraught. But the King insists that a wedding take place—royals or no royals—for the people who have waited tirelessly to see a ceremony. Cloaked in masks two young people are brought to the altar—introduced as world famous robots—an effigy of a royal wedding. But when the masks are removed Leonce and Lena are euphoric to see each other’s identities. It’s a joyful affair and the King retires, passing the reigning power to Leonce. Leonce turns the kingdom into a theatre and bans all clocks and calendars.