Famed theatre director Claus Peymann has passed away.
Claus Peymann, a celebrated figure in the German theatre scene, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88 in Berlin-Köpenick. Known as "Theaterpapst" for his influential career, Peymann left an indelible mark on the German theatre landscape.
Born on 7 June 1937 in Bremen, Peymann began his career as a director and theater manager, premiering significant works by Peter Handke and Gerlind Reinshagen at the Theater am Turm in Frankfurt. He co-founded the Schaubühne in Berlin with Peter Stein in 1971, though his tenure was brief due to creative differences.
Peymann's leadership roles extended to the Württemberg State Theaters in Stuttgart from 1974 to 1979, the Schauspielhaus Bochum from 1979 to 1986, the Burgtheater in Vienna from 1986 to 1999, and the Berliner Ensemble from 1999 to 2017. During his tenure at the Berliner Ensemble, Peymann set box office records and faced criticism for his classic productions being labelled as outdated.
Peymann is celebrated for his collaborations with Austrian author Thomas Bernhard, premiering several of Bernhard's plays, including "A Party for Boris" in 1970. Sabin Tambrea, an actor who worked with Peymann, thanked him from the bottom of his heart for their shared path, while Tambrea also described Peymann as a storm that one had to adjust to.
However, Peymann's career was not without controversy. In 1977, he sparked controversy by organizing a collection for dental treatment of Baader-Meinhof prisoners, leading to public backlash and his decision to leave Stuttgart. His departure from the Schaubühne in Berlin was due to disagreements with Peter Stein over the theater's democratic management model. Peymann was also known for his outspoken remarks, which sometimes led to controversy and public debate.
Berlin's governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), called Peymann one of the most influential personalities in modern German theater, and Peymann significantly shaped Berlin's culture. Claus Peymann will be remembered as an unyielding champion of the freedom of art, as evidenced by his emphasis on love in theater and rejection of cynicism as a worldview.
Peymann's influence on the German theater landscape is widely recognized, with Kai Wegner (CDU) stating that Peymann left a lasting impact on the city's culture. Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer mourned Peymann, stating he was a titan of the theater, a master of provocation and renewal. Despite a long career, Peymann continued to advocate passionately for the theater until his passing.
Peymann's death was announced by the former managing director of the Berliner Ensemble, Miriam Lüttgemann, to the German Press Agency. At his farewell from the Berliner Ensemble, Peymann emphasized the importance of love in theater and rejected the notion of cynicism as a worldview. Peymann's outspoken nature, as evidenced by his statement, "You can't get bored in my presence, but of course, I'm also not easy to bear," was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the art of theater.
Actor Sabin Tambrea wrote on Instagram that Peymann shaped the German-speaking theater landscape like a primeval force. Peymann will be remembered as a controversial figure, as evidenced by the criticism he faced for his actions outside the stage. However, his contributions to the theater and his unwavering passion for the art form will ensure that his legacy endures for generations to come.
Celebrities within the German theater scene mourned the loss of Claus Peymann, who was known to set box office records during his tenure at the Berliner Ensemble. Peymann's influence extended to shaping entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the German theater landscape, much like a primeval force that sculpted the cultural landscape.
