Adelon, Heinrich

Intendant

born: 14.12.1822 in Höchst am Main

died: 24.07.1903 in Wiesbaden

Adelon had worked as a ministerial official for the Nassau government in Wiesbaden since 1844 and at the then ducal court theater since 1855. After the annexation of Nassau, he and other citizens ensured the financing of the theater during the short period until it was taken over by the Prussian state. In 1868/69, he ran the theater together with the opera director Wilhelm Jahn and the drama director Emil Rathmann during a vacancy in the directorship. In 1871, Adelon was appointed director of the Royal Court Theater. Like all Wiesbaden directors during the Prussian era, he was subordinate to the General Director of the Royal Theatre in Berlin. Adelon was experienced in administration and finance, so that he was able to manage with the Prussian annual subsidy. He left the artistic matters to his staff.

Under Adelon, many famous theater people made guest appearances in Wiesbaden, such as the actor Friedrich Mitterwurzer and the baritone Francesco d'Andrade, who was painted by Max Slevogt. Nevertheless, anecdotes circulated about Adelon's naivety in theater matters, such as his idiosyncratic dealings with the press.

Adelon's services were honored with medals and the title of Privy Court Councillor. The planning and preparation of the new theater building can be traced back to him. Adelon was buried in the North Cemetery.