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Die Elf Scharfrichter (The Eleven Executioners) was the first political cabaret in Munich. It was founded by the French-born, Munich-based, journalist and translator Marc Henry (1873–1943) in opposition to the so-called “Lex Heinze” law limiting artistic freedom. Henry gathered ten “executioners” to join him in his culturally critical venture. These included authors/directors—Otto Falckenberg (1873–1947), Leo Greiner (1876–1928), and Willy Rath (1872–1940)—graphic artists—Victor Frisch (1876–1939), Ernst Neumann (1871–1954), and Willy Oertel (1868–1933)—a sculptor—Wilhelm Hüsgen (1877–1962)—a lawyer Robert Kothe (1869–1947)—an architect Max Langheinrich (1869–1923)—and a composer Hans Richard Weinhöppel (1867–1928). The roster of “executioners” expanded, but the name remained the same. The actress Marya Delvard (1874–1965), pictured in the poster above, and the playwright Frank Wedekind (1864–1918), listed among the authors on the poster below, were among the best known. Die Elf Scharfrichter existed from 1901 to 1904. Their performances took place in a rear building on the Türkenstrasse 28 in the Maxvorstadt neighborhood of Munich. A twelve square meter cloakroom led to the sixty-five square meter auditorium, which had space for about eighty people and was furnished in the style of a pub with tables and chairs. Due to limited space and finances, the equipment for performances was basic and limited to a few props. Although initially registered as a private club, the cabaret was required to become commercial theater. As such, it was subject to censorship, which led to its eventual closure.
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