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Peymann's dramatic comeback: From death back to the stage!
Claus Peymann, an important theater director, is planning productions in the Josefstadt after his critical recovery from meningitis.
Peymann's dramatic comeback: From death back to the stage!
The Austrian theater landscape had to duck worrying news in 2019: Claus Peymann, one of the country's most influential theater directors, suffered severe meningitis shortly before the premiere of his play “Stühle”. Today, more than six years after this serious health incident, the 83-year-old is back in the action and has a lot to tell. How news.at reports, the situation for Peymann was extremely critical during his hospital stay. Four out of five patients did not survive in such a condition, and doctors had predicted poor prospects for recovery. Peymann himself has no memories of this time, but he is grateful that the doctors Professor Staudinger and Professor Schellongowski saved his life.
In February 2019, a herpes virus attacked Peymann's brain and caused meningitis, which led to several months in the intensive care unit. During this difficult time, during which he was out of action for seven months, he later had to learn to walk again. A painful process, but he is optimistic: “It was a matter of life and death,” says Peymann, “and I have a lot of positive thoughts.”
The return to the stage
The production of “Stühle” was successfully completed by colleagues during his absence, and Peymann has since developed great respect for the creative work of Jutta Ferbers and Leander Haußmann, who made the piece the most successful performance of director Kušej's era. Peymann is now planning to stage a production in Josefstadt and read texts by Thomas Bernhard, depending on his health. There is great anticipation for the rehearsal period, which is scheduled until the premiere on September 17th. “It will be tight, but I have a good knack for the creative process,” he notes.
Peymann found the strict tests against the virus during rehearsals in Josefstadt particularly spooky. Fortunately, everyone was negative, which reassured not only him but also the entire team.
Peymann is not only a contemporary witness, but also an avant-gardist in these special Corona times. His insights into the burdens of public health and the challenges facing the theater world today make him a voice worthy of both respect and admiration.
Culture and health: a constant interaction
The importance of culture in relation to health and illness cannot be overstated. As in an article by Medicus Mundi As explained above, health does not occur in a vacuum, but is part of a social and cultural system. As a complex of knowledge, belief, art and laws, culture becomes a central element that shapes how we deal with illness.
Especially in such a dynamic environment like the theater, where creativity and innovation are required, cultural processes and their influence on health are particularly evident. Peymann's comeback and the relevance of his works are a strong sign that art and life are inextricably linked. So what happens in Peymann's Viennese theater world remains exciting, and it will be interesting to see how he overcomes the challenges of today. Despite the difficult times, he sees society and creativity as inseparable partners that can inspire and support each other.