Arbeit und Struktur

In the organizer's words:

Work and Structure - by Wolfgang Herrndorf - in a version by Robert Koall - first performance on September 9, 2023 - Schauspielhaus, Kleines Haus - Schauspiel

When the writer Wolfgang Herrndorf took his own life on August 26, 2013, one of the most gifted, important and influential authors of the still young 21st century died with him. His literary creative phase spanned barely more than ten years, and he left behind only a few books. But they have a weight that is unparalleled. His thriller "Sand" won the prize at the Leipzig Book Fair, "Tschick" became a classic of new German literature (and of German teaching) within a few years that has been published millions of times. And about "Arbeit und Struktur," literary scholar Michael Maar wrote: "For all the high esteem in which Herrndorf's novels are held - his blog 'Arbeit und Struktur' is not inferior to them in terms of literary rank. There is nothing in the history of diaries to equal it in tact, warmth, dark wit, sarcasm, and quiet horror." "Work and Structure" is Herrndorf's diary of his announced death. After he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2010, he threw himself into an unparalleled creative frenzy. He continued to write books in a race against death, while at the same time publicly reflecting on life, death, love, art, friendship, the universe, and all the rest on his Internet blog. This literary project lasted over three years and was followed daily by tens of thousands of readers - until its inevitable end, which was set by the author himself.

On the 10th anniversary of his death, Adrian Figueroa ("Biedermann und die Brandstifter," "Das Tribunal") stages Herrndorf's great text about saying goodbye to the world.