Hermann Burger – straight from the estate. Featuring Simon Zumsteg, Judith Keller and Wanda Wylowa

Hermann Burger is recognised as one of Switzerland’s most significant writers, renowned for his poetic and narrative works. What is less well known, however, is that from 1970 onwards Burger also tried his hand at the genre of drama; most notably in his play *Die Scheintoten* (*The Apparent Dead*), which he wrote at the end of 1987, at the height of his creative powers, on commission from the Schauspielhaus Zürich. It has never been performed in its entirety – Burger’s untimely death prevented this – yet it masterfully explores all his recurring themes: the ‘Cimiterian’, the ‘Cigarristic’, ‘Comedy Magic’ and even the ‘Ferrarist’.

‘Urbrenner’ contains Burger’s existential primal scenes, which the then-young writer drew from his own life. This highly autobiographical text thus processes formative experiences from Burger’s childhood and youth in Menziken. A sensational discovery.

Hermann Burger specialist Simon Zumsteg in conversation with author Judith Keller.

The passages are read by Wanda Wylowa.