Caspar Neher

Neher, Caspar (Augsburg, 1897-1962, Vienna), the stage designer whose name is closely linked with the theatre of B. Brecht (see also Berliner Ensemble) and the development of the Raumbühne. He aimed at productions which discouraged illusion, and shared with Brecht a predilection for austere colour (the famous background in subdued shades of grey) and bright stage lighting. His collaboration with Brecht, however, went well beyond designing. Brecht's own tribute to him is one of unqualified enthusiasm; Neher's decorations were steeped in the spirit of the plays and induced the actors to live up to their artistry. Neher's reputation does not rest only on his collaboration with Brecht, which began with Die Dreigroschenoper in 1928: he directed many important productions at the Deutsches Theater, the Vienna Staatsoper, and the Salzburger Festspiele, and designed settings for operas by Mozart. He wrote an opera libretto, Die Bürgschaft (1932), which K. Weill set to music.