- Approx 6 min read
Marvelous recollections I hold about Dresden - "Reminiscing about the stunning beauty of Dresden"
For millions of television viewers, he is the head of the homicide department, Peter Michael Schnabel, in the Dresden-based "Tatort." But Martin Brambach has a more profound connection to the Saxon capital than just his role. Raised in Dresden, the actor recounts a "happy childhood" in the city before moving to Berlin at the age of six. Now, he has even penned a travel guide on his hometown, "Dresden: A Heartfelt Guide" (Polyglott).
During an interview with Spot On News, Brambach discloses his deep attachment to the city on the Elbe. He also discusses the stereotypes surrounding East and West and sheds light on the changes in the Dresden "Tatort" after his colleague Karin Hanczewski (43) left the show.
Growing up in Dresden: Memories of a Childhood Happy Home
Martin Brambach: There's something incredibly unique about it. I spent my early years in Dresden, experiencing a very, very happy childhood there. The happiness ended when I moved to Berlin at the age of six. Prior to that, we lived in a beautiful neighborhood filled with old half-timbered houses next to the forest. I have such vivid memories and cherish the freedom I experienced during my childhood. Dresden holds a piece of my heart. I always feel a sense of excitement when I'm back.
Two Reasons to Written a Travel Guide: Family History & Personal Connection
Brambach: Of course, I feel at home in the Ruhr area where I currently reside. However, I also enjoy spending time in Dresden. My travel guide had a couple of personal motivations, one of them being my desire to learn more about my family's history. My father hails from Dresden, attended school there, lived through the bombings, and the reconstruction of the city. I was intrigued by this captivating slice of our family's past. We had spent a handful of lovely days in Dresden and visited the places of my childhood.
The second motive was my longing to deepen my understanding of the city. Unfortunately, time constraints during our "Tatort" shoots kept me from doing so.
Could you envision moving back to Dresden one day?
Brambach: That's a possibility I've considered. But the Ruhr area has felt like home to me for many years. I appreciate the down-to-earth mentality of the people here and the fact that it's more wallet-friendly compared to Dresden. I would probably find it difficult to maintain the same quality of living in Dresden. (laughs)
A Deeper Look into Dresden Through "Tatort" Lenses
Brambach: Before my role in "Tatort," my experience of Dresden was more sporadic, usually just passing through without paying close attention. Since joining the show, I've had the chance to explore my hometown more, revisiting the places of my childhood, and discovering hidden gems.
A Personal Touch in Your Investigations
Many "Tatort" inspectors solve cases in cities where they are not personally connected. Does that make a difference when it comes to portraying these cities on-screen?
Brambach: Absolutely! Then, the approach tends to be different, and it's dealt with in a more heartfelt manner. For instance, we had a case where my character sided with PEGIDA. In that situation, I couldn't avoid pondering over it more than if I were playing a police officer in Hamburg. Because there was political dynamite involved in my hometown, it felt more personal, and I delved deeper into the subject matter by conversing with people on both sides of the issue to gain a better understanding of their perspectives.
Tatort: A Mix of the Past and Present
Brambach: I strive to create a balance, depicting both the traditional elements and modern aspects of Dresden. My character, Schnabel, embodies traditional values and a conservative mindset. The other characters represent the city's more progressive side, allowing us to explore complex issues through the prism of polarizing events. It's fascinating to depict the ambivalence of Dresden: a city with a rich history and a strong educated middle class that exemplifies both its conservatism and modernity.
Navigating Stereotypes in "Tatort" & Beyond
Brambach: As actors and artists, we often rely on clichés to portray characters more vividly. Yet, it's crucial to find a balance between reality and caricatures. In my first Dresden "Tatort," we stumbled upon a character that was too stereotypical for Dresden residents. We always aim to capture the essence of the city in a realistic and nuanced manner.
The East continues to be associated with various stereotypes, but its identity is far more complex than what people might initially perceive. It's essential that we foster understanding and cooperation among citizens of different regions to bridge divides and mitigate misunderstandings. If people in Munich or Cologne enjoy the "Tatort" from Dresden, that's a step towards fostering a more enlightened society.
Clichés & Stereotypes: A Lifelong Companion
Brambach: I encountered clichés early in life when I moved from the GDR to the West as a 17-year-old. People were not particularly interested in my background, and only a few inquired about my experiences growing up in the GDR. But at one point, someone asked me if we had escalators in the GDR. That moment vividly illustrates the prevalence of misconceptions about the East. I explained to him that although they had escalators, they did not always work. (laughs)
Cliches are a part of our lives, and they often stick to us. Of course, there are lovable and malicious clichés, but my aim has always been to rise above them and be defined by my own qualities rather than my origins. I can't really defend myself against clichés; they're just a part of life, and our brains naturally categorize things.
The Power of "Tatort" to Shape or Change the Image of a City
Brambach: We aren't primarily a tourism advertisement; rather, we attempt to portray stories that reflect the realities of our characters’ lives and the cities they inhabit. In the case of the Dortmund "Tatort," the mayor once criticized their portrayal of his city. As for Dresden, we haven't faced such criticism yet.
Although "Tatort" doesn't aim to change the image of a city, repetition can lead to increased acceptance and appreciation: over time, people become more accustomed to differences between cities and cultures and see them for the rich tapestry that they are. It's even more valuable if we can share our preferences and unique qualities, as we're already attempting to do.
By the way, in "Tatort," I'm not the only natively Dresden-born actor: my colleague Cornelia Gröschel also hails from Dresden. Does this authenticity make the Dresden crime drama so special?
Brambach: Absolutely, it adds to the authenticity of the depiction. While Cornelia isn't playing a full-on Dresden dialect-speaking police officer, the show offers a distinct flavor that reflects the city and its people without compromise. I often emphasize dialogue that resonates with the city, such as conversations in Bavarian dialect in the Munich "Tatort" or Berlin dialect in the Berlin one.
With the departure of Karin Hanczewski from the team, how do you see the dynamics of the Dresden "Tatort" evolving?
Brambach: Her absence is a bit disheartening, as I really enjoyed working with her. We spent many hours improvising and had a great time on set together. But we're now working on two episodes that promise to be exciting. In one, I take center stage, delving deeper into Schnabel's past. It's an emotionally charged story that sheds light on aspects that truly resonate with Schnabel. The tone of this episode is quite different, offering a different perspective on the character.
In the other, Cornelia is more in focus, creating a heart-pounding thriller. I think the variety keeps things interesting for viewers. It's important to surprise them a bit by showing the depth and complexity of Schnabel's character. The dynamics will continue to evolve; we'll shoot another case this year, and I'm eager to see where this journey takes us. We've had plenty of fun together, and in the end, it all comes down to the scripts. And ultimately, the success of the show depends on the audience's reception.
- Martin Brambach, despite being known for his role in "Tatort" as Peter Michael Schnabel, admits, "I'm not going to be a big fan of this," when it comes to loving Dresden.
- His ambivalence towards the city stems from his happy childhood there before moving to Berlin at six, and he later penned a travel guide, "Dresden: A Heartfelt Guide," to rediscover his connection with the city.
- The actor, raised in Dresden, expresses his enjoyment of the city, but finds it difficult to imagine moving back due to the lower cost of living in the Ruhr area, where he currently resides.
