Did you know that Else Lasker-Schüler, a leading figure in German Expressionism, once lived right here? This plaque commemorates Else Lasker-Schüler’s residence from 1924 to 1933. It marks a period when she was a central figure in Berlin’s bohemian scene.
Else Lasker-Schüler was born in 1869 in Elberfeld. Today, it is part of Wuppertal. She came from an assimilated German-Jewish banking family. Her mother encouraged her imaginative interests. She began publishing poetry and prose around 1899. She quickly became a leading voice in Berlin’s avant-garde circles.
Her first poetry volume “Styx” appeared in 1903. Collections of prose followed. One example is “Die Nächte der Tino von Bagdad”. That translates to “The Nights of Tino of Baghdad” from 1909. “Meine Wunder”, or “My Miracles”, came out in 1911. This poetry collection cemented her place as a leading female author. She became famous in the German Expressionist movement. Her works even appeared in English in 1909.
Living here in Schöneberg, at Motzstraße 7, Else Lasker-Schüler was at the heart of Berlin’s vibrant cultural life. The hotel where she resided was then called “Koschel”. Her friends included Franz Marc, Karl Kraus, and Gottfried Benn. She helped shape the artistic scene of the Roaring Twenties.
Lasker-Schüler’s unique style often caused a stir. She had a highly eccentric personality. Her Orientalist and gender-defying fashion choices drew attention. Her writing was powerfully sensual. She created a multilayered mythology around herself. She carefully orchestrated this persona. It was rooted in readings of her work and life.
This plaque is a reminder of Else Lasker-Schüler’s time in Berlin. It was before the rise of the Nazi regime forced her into exile. In 1932, she received the Kleist medal. But in 1933, she had to flee Germany. She sought refuge in Switzerland initially.
Later, in 1937, she moved to Jerusalem. She documented her first journey to Mandate-Palestine. The book was evocatively illustrated. It was titled “Das Hebräerland” or “The Land of the Hebrews.” It was published during her Swiss exile.
Her most famous work is “Mein Blaues Klavier”. That translates to “My Blue Piano”. It came out in 1943. People widely quote it as the epitome of exile literature.
In 1939, she became stranded in Jerusalem. Swiss authorities denied her return to Switzerland. This cut her off from European friends and supporters. From 1941, she continued her work in Jerusalem. She created a private literary salon named Kraal. Martin Buber, Ernst Simon, and Hugo Bergmann attended.
Else Lasker-Schüler died in Jerusalem in 1945. She lived in poverty and isolation. Today, a street in Tempelhof-Schöneberg bears her name. Plaques here and on Katharinenstraße 5 commemorate her legacy. This Else-Lasker-Schüler lived here 1924-1933 Plaque serves as a reminder of her significant contributions. She shaped literature and art. It also highlights her resilience in the face of adversity.