Heiner Müller

John Milfull (University of New South Wales)
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Before the collapse of the German Democratic Republic, Heiner Müller was widely regarded, internationally and in both German states, as “the most important German dramatist since Brecht”. Subsequently, like other “heroes” of the GDR semi-dissident scene, he was the target of a concerted campaign accusing him, among other things, of collaboration with the Stasi (Staats-Sicherheitsdienst, the GDR political police) and crypto-Stalinist tendencies. His reputation, despite a short-term eclipse, will survive these inanities; the extended public wake held upon his death on 30 December 1995 gave expression to a deep sense of loss in the vibrant East Berlin cultural scene of which he was the most brilliant protagonist. Ironically, he was the one GDR author who best satisfied the aesthetic…

2026 words

Citation: Milfull, John. "Heiner Müller". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 28 January 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5429, accessed 04 December 2024.]

5429 Heiner Müller 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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