Hülsen, Georg von (since 1909: Count von Hülsen-Haeseler)

Intendant

Born: 15.07.1858 in Berlin

died: 21.06.1922 in Berlin

Hülsen attended the Werdersche Gymnasium in Berlin. In 1877 he embarked on a career as an officer. From 1879-86, he often accompanied his father Botho von Hülsen, General Director of the Royal Theatres in Berlin, on his inspection tours and thus became acquainted with many German and foreign theaters. He became adjutant to Prince Georg of Prussia in 1888 and adjutant to the Minister of War in 1889. In 1891, he moved to the Prussian legation in Munich, where he studied art history and aesthetics on the side.

In 1893, Kaiser Wilhelm II appointed him director of the Wiesbaden Court Theater. Hülsen immediately introduced a tight organization and strict regulations for the stage staff, including disciplinary measures. Nevertheless, his authoritative manner and social attitude won him the trust of all employees. He organized the furnishing and artistic equipment of the new theater building and was officially appointed artistic director and chamberlain at its opening on 16.10.1894.

He was particularly concerned with the external effect of the performances. Typical of his work were the Wiesbaden "re-installations" of dramas such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "The Maid of Orleans" and operas by Gluck and Lortzing, which provided additional opportunities for the stage machinery in particular and occasions for effective decorations. In this way, he won the Emperor, Wilhelmine society loyal to the Emperor and international guests as an audience for the Wiesbaden stage.

In 1896, he staged the May Festival for the first time, the program of which he determined in close consultation with Wilhelm II. Wiesbaden thanked him for the upswing in 1902 by awarding him honorary citizenship.

In 1903, he (like his father) became general director of the royal stages in Berlin. In 1909, he was allowed to adopt his mother's name and title and called himself Count Hülsen-Haeseler. After the fall of the monarchy, he retired in January 1919.