Johann Nestroy

Johann Nepomuk Nestroy (1801–1862) was an Austrian singer, actor, theatre director and dramatist. He initially studied philosophy and law before beginning his stage career as an opera singer in 1822. From the 1830s onward, he primarily wrote and performed farces, parodies and satirical popular plays for Vienna’s suburban theatres. His best-known works include “Der böse Geist Lumpazivagabundus,” “Der Talisman,” “Einen Jux will er sich machen” and “Der Zerrissene.” Nestroy wrote more than 80 plays, combining pointed wit with social and political criticism. From 1854 to 1860, he directed Vienna’s Leopoldstadt Theatre.