Spring Awakening (1891) written by Frank Wedekind, and produced first in the English language in New York City, starring Fania Marinoff in 1917.

   A scene from Spring Awakening (Frühlings Erwachen, published in 1891) written by the German playwright Frank Wedekind (1864 - 1918), and produced first in the English language at the 39th Street Theatre in New York City, starring Fania Marinoff (1890 - 1971), Sidney Carlyle, and Geoffrey C. Stein, in 1917. 

   The first English production took place in New York City in 1917, and was met with much controversy. This performance was threatened with closure when the city's Commissioner of Licenses claimed that the play was pornographic. 

   New York Times :  1917/05/03  COURT BARS SEX PLAY.; Justice Erlanger Finds "The Awakening ...  Supreme Court Justice Erlanger decided yesterday that the production of Frank Wedekind's play, “The Awakening of Spring,” one matinée of which was recently given in English translation

   

Fania Marinoff (right) 

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