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Emilia Galotti: A Tragedy in Five Acts

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A recent NY Times review of a German production of this play proved that it is hardly a mere enlightenment museum piece. Vibrant and alive with contradictory impulses, this play finds currency with the inherent hypocrisy of those in power finding ways to abuse it under the veneer of family values. This play should not only be read, it should be performed!

G.E. Lessing's play Emilia Galotti brings to its readers a direct portrayal of literary aspects of the Enlightenment( Die Aufklarung). This tragedy in five acts gives insight into classe relations, moral integrity of the upperclass, and the relationship of men to women during this time. The play also follows along many of the dramatic principles associated with the beginning of the Enlightenment period and the changes that Lessing was developing towards the end of the literary period. The tragedy of this play follows a very Shakespearian development and conclusion(death!). However in the play's progress some points of the drama seem very contrived and tend to remove the audience from the reality of the drama that Lessing wished to present.Yet the play flows with relative ease and the majority of characters are seemingly believable. This is a play of interrest not only because of its historical relevance but also because of the enthralling tragedy that the play accomplishes in its five acts. Enjoy!