If you're looking for a quick but powerful read from a fascinating era, let me introduce you to Georg Kaiser's 'Die Koralle.' Written in 1917, it's the first part of his 'Gas' trilogy and a cornerstone of German Expressionist theatre. Forget realistic sets and polite dialogue—this play is all about big ideas, intense emotions, and characters who feel more like symbols of a broken society.

The Story

The central figure is simply called the Billionaire. He's made an unimaginable fortune, but he's utterly consumed by the memory of his miserable, impoverished youth. His solution? He finds a lookalike secretary—the man with the coral tiepin—and pays him to be his official 'past.' The secretary lives the grim life the Billionaire escaped, while the Billionaire enjoys a sterile, perfect present with his idealistic son and daughter. The plan works until his children, especially his son, start to see the cracks in their gilded cage and question where their privilege really comes from. When a crisis forces the Billionaire to confront the man who is his manufactured past, everything he built begins to unravel.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how current it feels. It's not just a period piece about class; it's about identity. Can we sever ourselves from our roots? The Billionaire thinks money is a magic eraser, but his obsession proves his past controls him more than ever. The characters aren't warm or fuzzy—they're vessels for Kaiser's furious critique of a world where capitalism creates monstrous, soul-split people. The dialogue is stark and dramatic, perfect for letting the big questions about fathers, children, and inherited guilt hit you right in the gut.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for readers who love thought-provoking plays and don't mind a lack of cozy realism. If you enjoy the starkness of Brecht or the existential puzzles of early 20th-century drama, you'll find a lot to chew on here. It's a brilliant, bleak, and surprisingly fast-paced look at the cost of forgetting who you are. Just don't expect a happy ending.