Arthur Schnitzler

Born in Vienna in 1862, eminent writer of the Wiener Moderne (Viennese Modern Age). Studied medicine in Vienna and finished his PhD in 1885. Beside his work as a doctor (also in the psychiatric ward) he early commenced writing literary texts and poems, in which he also criticizes the military and Austrian-Hungarian government such e. g. in »None but the brave« in 1900, whereupon he was stripped of his commission as a reserve officer in the medical corps and continued working as a writer. Returning themes in his work are restrictions by society and its rules, sexual taboos and adultery, such e. g. in »La Ronde« (printed 1903), but also the omnipresent anti-Semitism in Viennese society at the turn of the century such e. g. in »Professor Bernhardi« (1912). He describes in his drama and prose the inner life and psychological processes of the characters such e. g. in »Fräulein Else« (1924), which allows him to draw an image of society of his time. Schnitzler died in 1931 in Vienna.

Schaubühne:

Professor Bernhardi, Direction: Thomas Ostermeier (2016)

Professor Bernhardi von Arthur Schnitzler, Regie: Thomas Ostermeier (2016)