Theater director Claus Peymann, known for his politically charged productions, has sadly passed away.
Claus Peymann, a celebrated figure in the world of German theater, has sadly passed away at the age of 88 in Berlin. Known for his tireless activism and commitment to the arts, Peymann left an indelible mark on the German theater scene during his illustrious five-decade career.
Born on June 7, 1937, in Bremen, Peymann began his career as a director and theater manager in 1966 at the Theater am Turm (TAT) in Frankfurt. Here, he premiered works by notable authors such as Peter Handke and Gerlind Reinshagen.
One of Peymann's most significant collaborations was with Austrian author Thomas Bernhard, starting with the premiere of Bernhard's first play, "A Party for Boris," at the Hamburg Schauspielhaus in 1970. In 1971, Peymann co-founded the Schaubühne at Hallesches Ufer in Berlin with Peter Stein, directing the premiere of Handke's "Ride Across Lake Constance" there.
Peymann's career took him to various prestigious institutions, including the Württemberg State Theaters in Stuttgart, where he was known for his classic productions. From 1979 to 1986, he managed the Schauspielhaus Bochum, transforming it into one of Germany's best theaters.
In 1986, Peymann became the head of the Burgtheater in Vienna, a position he held until 1999. During this time, he oversaw its artistic direction and management, and his tenure was marked by a series of acclaimed productions.
From 2000 until his retirement in 2017, Peymann served as the Intendant and artistic director of the Berliner Ensemble. His work during this period included premieres of Heiner Müller's plays, Kleist's "Hermannsschlacht," and Bernhard's "Heldenplatz."
Peymann's approach to theater was characterized by his ability to stage complex and provocative works, often collaborating with prominent playwrights like Thomas Bernhard. His productions were known for their classic interpretations of classic plays, showing no interest in hyped spectacle and performance theater.
Peymann's political engagements often caused controversy, such as his support for US director Robert Wilson and pop star Herbert Grönemeyer, and his offer of a traineeship at the Berliner Ensemble to former RAF terrorist Christian Klar. Despite the criticism, Peymann believed that a theater director should speak out and considered theater a public activity.
Peymann's career was not without controversy. He intervened in Berlin's cultural policy, criticizing the involuntary departure of Frank Castorf as head of the Berliner Volksbühne and the failure of Chris Dercon. His political engagements were often centered around fighting for a fairer world.
After leaving the Berliner Ensemble in summer 2017, Peymann was known for his tireless activism against abuses and his role as a "principal of the old order." He described himself as "a marvelous monster that still upholds a certain ethics of the profession."
Peymann's work at the Berliner Ensemble was labeled as a "museum," to which he responded, "Sometimes, the museum is the most vibrant place in a city." His legacy will continue to inspire generations of theater-makers and audiences alike.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Claus Peymann, a revered theater director, who passed away at the age of 88. Known for his political engagements and commitment to the arts, Peymann's contributions extended beyond theater to general-news discussions, as his activism often caused controversy.
