Das Kraftwerk

21 July 2021 marked 20 years since the passing of universal artist Einar Schleef. In her obituary for him, Elfriede Jelinek wrote that there had only been two geniuses in post-WWII Germany: Fassbinder in Western Germany, and the East Germany-born Einar Schleef, the “powerhouse” who “generated electricity”. Indeed, Schleef’s impact on theatre can hardly be rated highly enough, given the enormous role he played in resurrecting the idea of the chorus. He is probably best known for his original production of Jelinek’s EIN SPORTSTÜCK (SPORTS PLAY) at the Burgtheater in 1998, which he followed up with WILDER SOMMER (based on Goldoni) and Ulla Berkéwicz’s DER GOLEM VON BAYREUTH.

The symposium will feature academics, artists, and friends and colleagues of Schleef who will present their individual views of his legacy in the form of lectures, discussions, readings and artistic interventions.