Sebastian Droste (1892-1927) was a poet, actor and dancer connected with the gay and underworld subcultures of Berlin in the 1920s. In 1922, Droste married expressionist exotic dancer and actress in German silent movies, Anita Berber. She and Droste performed fantasias with titles such as "Suicide," "Morphium," and "Mad House". Droste appeared as a dancer in the silent movie Algol (1920).In 1923, Droste and Berber published a book of poetry, photographs, and drawings called Die Tänze des Lasters, des Grauens und der Ekstase (Dances of Vice, Horror, and Ecstasy), based on their performance of the same name. Full of Expressionist imagery, the book offers a glimpse into the angst and cynicism shadowing their artistic and personal existences.Their marriage ended in 1923.
In 1923, Droste and Berber published a book of poetry, photographs, and drawings called Die Tänze des Lasters, des Grauens und der Ekstase (Dances of Vice, Horror, and Ecstasy), based on their performance of the same name.
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In 1922, Droste married expressionist exotic dancer and actress in German silent movies, Anita Berber. She and Droste performed fantasias with titles such as "Suicide," "Morphium," and "Mad House".
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In 1923 Droste and Berber returned to Berlin, both deeply addicted to cocaine. Droste stole furs and jewels from Berber and left for New York.
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Sebastian Droste (1892-1927) was a poet, actor and dancer connected with the gay and underworld subcultures of Berlin in the 1920s.
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In 1915 he was drafted into the army and most likely fought on the Western Front.
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His father ran a family business making silk stockings in a factory in Chemnitz which allowed Willy a privileged upbringing. As a teenager he sought to escape his parents and enrolled in a local art school where he excelled in languages, physical culture and dance.
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Droste returned to his parents home in Hamburg in July 1927, he had tuberculosis and died a few weeks later at the age of 35.
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He moved to Berlin in 1919, aged 27 and changed his name from Willy Knobloch to Sebastian Droste.