Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit)

'Erdgeist', also known as 'Earth Spirit' is a play by the German dramatist Frank Wedekind. In a Prologue, the characters in the drama are introduced by an 'Animal Tamer' as if they are creatures in a traveling circus. Lulu herself is described as «the true animal, the wild, beautiful animal» and the «primal form of woman». When the action of the play starts, Lulu has been rescued by the rich newspaper publisher Dr Schön from a life on the streets with her alleged father, the petty criminal Schigolch. Dr Schön has taken Lulu under his wing, educated her and made her his lover. Wishing however to make a more socially advantageous match for himself, he has married her off to the medic Dr Goll.