Claus Peymann a tireless fighter for theater as a place of social conflict

SPÖ culture spokeswoman Katrin Auer is dismayed by the death of director and former Burgtheater Director Claus Peymann: “With Claus Peymann, Germany and Austria lose one of the most formative personalities in the German-speaking theater. His commitment to a controversial, political theater, the place of social discussion, will remain unforgettable.” As a long-standing Burgtheater director, he has shaped the cultural life of Vienna and Austria sustainably and was not spared when it comes to the freedom of art, the country and an open society. “Claus Peymann was not only a brilliant director, but also a courageous cultural politician in the best sense. He did not shy away from starting when it came to defending the freedom of art and the role of art in democracy,” said Auer. ****

His services to contemporary Austrian drama are unforgettable and not high enough: “He was an early and consistent sponsor of Thomas Bernhard, Elfriede Jelinek and Peter Handke and has offered them the stage they deserve.”

“The death of Claus Peymann is a big loss for the art and theater world in Austria and Germany. With his life’s work, it will go into history and remain unforgettable. My condolences to the bereaved,” said Auer. (Conclusion) Ah