Dramaturge Claus Peymann, known for his politically charged theater productions, has passed away.
Claus Peymann, a renowned German theater director, had a career marked by significant contributions to the world of theater, particularly in Germany and Austria. His career spanned several decades and included notable directorial positions and controversial incidents.
## Career Highlights
Peymann's career began in 1966 as the chief director at the Theater am Turm (TAT) in Frankfurt. During this period, he premiered works by Peter Handke, including "Offending the Audience," "Kaspar," and "The Ward Wants to Be Guardian," as well as Gerlind Reinshagen's "Doppelkopf."
In 1970, Peymann established a long-standing working relationship with Austrian author Thomas Bernhard by premiering Bernhard's first play, "A Party for Boris," at the Hamburg Schauspielhaus.
Alongside Peter Stein, Peymann co-founded the new Schaubühne at Hallesches Ufer in Berlin in 1971. He directed the premiere of Handke's "Ride Across Lake Constance" there.
From 1974 to 1977, Peymann served as the drama director at the Württemberg State Theaters in Stuttgart. His classic productions of "The Robbers," "Käthchen of Heilbronn," "Faust I and II," and "Iphigenia" gained attention. However, a controversy arose in 1977 related to the collection of donations for the dental treatment of Baader-Meinhof prisoners, leading him to decline a contract extension.
From 1979 to 1986, Peymann managed the Schauspielhaus in Bochum, transforming it into one of the best theaters in Germany. In 1986, he became the artistic director of Vienna's prestigious Burgtheater, where he staged numerous significant productions, including the world premiere of Thomas Bernhard's works.
Peymann's tenure as the director of the Berliner Ensemble began in 1999 and continued until 2017. This period marked another chapter in his illustrious career, further solidifying his legacy in German theater.
## Notable Productions
Peymann's notable productions include Peter Handke's works such as "Offending the Audience," "Kaspar," "The Ward Wants to Be Guardian," and "Ride Across Lake Constance." He also staged numerous productions of Thomas Bernhard's plays, including world premieres at the Burgtheater.
## Controversies and Activism
Peymann's career was marked not only by his artistic achievements but also by controversies, such as his involvement in the Baader-Meinhof affair and his comments on political issues, which often sparked debate and discussion in the cultural and political spheres. His political engagement often caused controversy, including showing solidarity with Thomas Handke, who was criticized for his sympathy towards Serbia, and offering a traineeship to former RAF terrorist, Christian Klar.
Peymann's activism extended beyond the theater, as he often spoke out against injustices and intervened in what he saw as failed cultural policies. He was known for his activism and was often referred to as a "tiger in the ass of the powerful" at the Berliner Ensemble.
Claus Peymann, a notable left-wing theater maker in Germany, died at the age of 88 in Berlin. His influence on German theater continues to be felt, and his legacy remains a significant part of the country's cultural history.
Entertainment has a special place in Claus Peymann's expansive career, as he directed numerous productions of celebrated plays by authors such as Peter Handke and Thomas Bernhard. With a stage presence that often tackled controversial issues, Peymann's work served as a platform for discussing political topics among celebrities and the general public.
