Konrad Ernst Ackermann

Konrad Ernst Ackermann (baptized Feb. 4, 1712, Schwerin, Mecklenburg [Germany]—died Nov. 13, 1771, Hamburg) was an actor-manager who was a leading figure in the development of German theatre. Conflicting accounts exist of Ackermann’s early adult years. He was probably not a trained scientist and surgeon, as has been widely reported, but was instead a soldier—and later an officer—in the Russian army until 1738. He was attracted to the theatre by reading the French playwright Molière...