Die gute Zeit

gute Zeit, Die, a stylized symbolical drama of redemption (‘Erlösungsdrama’) in ten acts by E. Barlach, published in 1929. Its central character, Celestine, tries to escape the responsibilities of her high social status by seeking the ‘good time’ on a South Sea island, which presents a scathingly prophetic satire on the hedonistic affluent society. Progressively she discovers that she has the integrity and independence of spirit to achieve atonement and thus redemption through self-sacrifice on the cross. This ambitious blend of symbolism and satire is Barlach's crowning achievement as a metaphysical dramatist.