In Exile with Shakespeare: British Civilian Internee Theatre at Ruhleben Camp, 1914-1918

Abstract

In August 1916 an anonymous pedestrian in exile took a stroll along what he called the “Promenade des Anglais.” He described it as follows:The world contains no vista more noble and majestic. [...] Travellers who know only the Nevsky Prospekt, the Champs Elysées and the High Street, Kensington can have but a faint conception of the animated and picturesque scene which is revealed by the massive tiers of concrete, the noble sweep of gravel, and the delicate but boldly conceived tracery of wire which form the outstanding features of this cosmopolitan causeway. Here, the erudite phraseology of the Rhodes Scholar may be heard mingling with the homely patois of Wapping; the faultlessly groomed product of Hope Brothers lounges with his less fortunate compatriot garbed in relief pattern short wear; the student of Berlitz and Colenso is seen in friendly converse with the casual stiff. Fearless athletes, with chests bared to the breeze; musicians and actors of almost international fame; burly mariners from the Dogger Bank; diminutive jockeys, tramps, nature men, vegetarians and assorted cranks – all these and many others combine to render the Promenade a scene of picturesque and diversified confusion, a perfect riot of colour, a kaleidoscope of European curiosities. (Ruhleben Camp Magazine 1 11)