Spring Awakening: The Basics

Spring Awakening has been a controversial play from the moment of publication in 1892.  Centering around sexual maturation with characters of 14 and 15, the "spring awakenings" are the first "stirrings" of sexual curiosities. The play deals with a colorful cast of characters including ten girls/women, and fifteen men/women.  The leading boys are Melchior, Moritz, Hanschen, Ernst, Georg, and Otto.  The lovely ladies are Wendla, Martha, Thea, Anna, and Ilse.  Throughout the entire show, they manage to get into little spots of trouble together. 

Basic Facts about the play

• This was the playwright's first play
• The play takes place in Germany in 1892
• It is believed that the characters live near or in Hamburg, Germany