Vienna is marking the 100th birthday of Austrian poet and playwright Ingeborg Bachmann with a special text and performance event titled “In der Sprache wohnen Wunden” (“Wounds Dwell in Language”). The event, held on February 23, 2026, at an undisclosed location in Vienna, features a performance by actress Maxi Blaha and text curated by writer and bookseller Rotraut Schöberl. This commemoration underscores Bachmann’s enduring legacy and her profound impact on 20th and 21st-century literature.
Bachmann, born February 25, 1926, and passing away October 17, 1973, is celebrated for her poetic explorations of language, identity, and the complexities of post-war Europe. Her work often grappled with themes of alienation, political disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a fractured world. The centenary performance aims to revisit and re-examine these themes through a contemporary lens, highlighting the continued relevance of Bachmann’s insights. The title itself, “In der Sprache wohnen Wunden,” encapsulates the core of Bachmann’s artistic project – the idea that language is not merely a tool for communication, but a repository of pain and a site of struggle.
Maxi Blaha Brings Bachmann’s Words to Life
Actress Maxi Blaha, known for her versatile stage and screen presence, is taking on the challenge of interpreting Bachmann’s powerful words. Blaha’s career spans decades, beginning with her studies at the Schauspielschule Krauss and the University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna. According to her Wikipedia profile, she further honed her skills through masterclasses at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and vocal training in Fresh York.
Blaha’s experience is extensive, including a period as an ensemble member at the Vienna Burgtheater from 1993 to 1996. Her website details a career marked by lead roles at theatres across Germany and Austria, including Coburg, Tübingen, Linz, and Vienna’s Theater Phönix and Metropol. She has also appeared in numerous festivals and productions, including “Purim Spil” (LINZ09 European Capital of Culture) and a critically acclaimed solo performance as Emilie Flöge, Gustav Klimt’s companion, in “Emilie Flöge – Geliebte Muse” at the Schloss Belvedere in Vienna. More recently, she has portrayed Alma Mahler in the solo theatre piece “ALMA WHO?” at the Leopold Museum in Vienna, a role she began in 2021. Blaha’s film and television credits include appearances in the German “Tatort” crime series and the movie “Common Ground,” an Austrian-Israeli co-production.
A Collaborative Vision: Schöberl, Pobaschnig, and Blaha
The performance is a collaborative effort, with Rotraut Schöberl curating the text selection and Walter Pobaschnig providing the idea, direction, and photography. Schöberl, a writer and bookseller based in Vienna, brings her deep understanding of Austrian literature to the project. Pobaschnig’s artistic vision shapes the overall presentation, ensuring a compelling and thought-provoking experience for the audience. Details from Literatur Outdoors confirm the event took place on February 23, 2026.
The performance’s structure, focusing on a curated selection of Bachmann’s texts, suggests an intimate and focused exploration of her work. The choice of Blaha as the performer indicates a desire to bring a dynamic and emotionally resonant interpretation to Bachmann’s poetry and prose. The event promises to be a significant cultural moment, honoring a literary giant and inviting audiences to engage with her work in a new and meaningful way.
As the centenary year of Ingeborg Bachmann unfolds, events like this performance will continue to illuminate her contributions to literature and her enduring relevance in the 21st century. Further exploration of her work and legacy is expected throughout the year, solidifying her place as one of Austria’s most important literary figures.
What are your favorite works by Ingeborg Bachmann? Share your thoughts in the comments below and support us celebrate her lasting impact.
