In her 30s, Mata Hari had increasing difficulty in finding engagements Eastern dance had become a trend among her imitators. Competition and Career Challenges (01:58) She coveted the role of Oscar Wilde's Salome and lost a petition for custody of Jean-Louise. She performed in Milan operas and with Indian musician Inayat Khan in Paris. In 1912, financial difficulties led Mata Hari to return to the stage. Mata Hari suspended her dancing to be with wealthy lovers Alfred Kiepert in Berlin and then Xavier Rousseau in the French countryside. In 1906, Rudolf filed for divorce and gained custody of Jean-Louise. She believed her artistic power lay in nude performance.
Money gave her freedom Gaston Menier, Jules Cambon, Henri de Rothschild, and Alfred Messimy were among her lovers. Mata Hari's charm gained her many wealthy patrons. She capitalized on her exotic persona for publicity by appearing in fashion magazines and socializing with the Paris elite. She performed at large Paris theaters, toured Europe, and earned artistic respect appearing in operas. Gabriel Astruc became Mata Hari's manager. A Classy Performer (02:42)īy presenting herself as an artist that educated audiences about Indian culture, Mata Hari danced in an erotic way without being labeled a striptease entertainer. Hear a description of her "nude" performance that scandalized Paris. Emil Guimet arranged for her to perform at his museum for a selected audience. Margaretha recreated Indian and Javanese dance with European elements and performed at salons. She joined Ernst Mollier's circus and met Paris socialites. She projected wealth and fame and stayed at the Grand Hotel, where she took lovers to fund her career. Margaretha arrived in 1904, attracted by the city's glamour. Unable to find decent work, she had to choose between her daughter and freedom in Paris. She filed for legal separation but he refused to provide for her and Jean-Louise. Rudolf agreed to return to the Netherlands, but continued to abuse Margaretha. The loss further strained Margaretha and Rudolf's marriage. Letters reveal they suffered mercury poisoning from syphilis treatment. Norman and Jean-Louise became ill in Java Norman died. Rudolf became physically and emotionally abusive. Margaretha became fascinated with Javanese culture and dance, and flirted with other officers. The family settled in the Dutch East Indies Jean-Louise was born in 1898. Margaretha's son Norman was born in 1897. She was not content with his modest income.
She responded to Dutch army officer Rudolf MacLeod’s newspaper ad they married in 1895. Margaretha's godfather enrolled her in an education course she had an affair with the headmaster and was expelled. When she was 13, he went bankrupt her mother died of tuberculosis a year later. Margaretha Zelle was born in August 1876 to a Leeuwarden hat maker who embellished his achievements and sent her to private school.
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Mata Hari's Childhood (02:46) FREE PREVIEW