Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity'
The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations
during World War I, 1914-1923.
by Kenneth Steuer

Appendix 8h

The New Döberitz Empire

image This program provides the theater-goer in the prison camp at Döberitz with a summary of the songs, comedians, dances, and sketches which were offered in two parts during November 1915 at the new prison camp theater. The performers offered three sketches including "The Curate's Trip to London," "The Human Ape (or The Uninvited Guest)," and "The Professor and the Dude," written by playwrights in the camp. The acknowledgments on the last pages listed the work of the support staff in terms of costumes, hats, and electrical support. Note that prisoners could "book" their seats in advance, including box and orchestra seating. The YMCA supported theatrical productions in prison camps, providing costumes, props, and scripts as a means to provide entertainment for the general prison camp population.1

Notes:

Note 1: The New Döberitz Empire-November 1915, November 1915. Armed Services Records Box 54, Folder: "German Language Publications, ca. 1918," Kautz Family YMCA Archives, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. back