THE MYSTERY OF THE PORTAL

A Guide to Rudolf Steiner's first Mystery Drama

Trevor Dance

• Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9781855845978
• eBook ISBN: 9781855846319
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

The philosopher and educationalist Rudolf Steiner was also a radical dramatist who wrote four lengthy and complex plays. The first of these, The Portal of Initiation, is rich in content and artistically presented, but leaves us with questions: Why is the first scene so long and many speeches so lengthy? Why are our usual expectations of drama not met? Was Steiner really a competent dramatist?In this essential guide, Trevor Dance suggests that the first step to appreciatingThe Portal of Initiationis to understand Steiner's methods. The play belongs to the tradition of Mystery Dramas from ancient times – artistic works intended as vehicles for inner development. Steiner thus combines aspects of Goethe's alchemical fableThe Green Snake and the Beautiful Lilywith the spiritual growth of contemporary individuals – all in the broader context of reincarnation and karma. With accessibility in mind, the author provides a clear synopsis of each scene and introduces us to the characters – a collection of rustics, sophisticates, hierophants and spiritual entities. Their dilemmas and challenges take place on many layers of reality: from a room in Sophia's house to the exalted Sun Temple.Revealing the enigmas behind the creation and content ofThe Portal of Initiation, Dance enables us not only toenjoythe play, but also toloveit. His lucid guide – the first of its kind – is an ideal introduction for both individual readers and study groups.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• A Portal to a Different Kind of Drama
• The Birth of the Portal—A Modern Mystery Drama
• The Scenes:
• The Characters:
• Appendices:
• Bibliography
• Notes