Jedermann (“Everyman”) in Memmingen – in memory of Hermann Pfeifer
Hermann Pfeifer – who was managing director of PFEIFER Seil- und Hebetechnik from 1950 to 1996 – wasn't just an extraordinary enterpriser. He was also a politically, socially and culturally dedicated citizen of the city of Memmingen. For instance, as one of the instigators he laid the foundations for the Wallenstein Festival, which is still famous today far beyond the city limits. His works also include numerous dialect and homeland poems.
The play about the death of a rich man
A further legacy of his cultural work is the translation into Swabian dialect of the well-known play “Jedermann – das Spiel vom Sterben des reichen Mannes” (“Everyman – the play about the death of the rich man”) by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. The mystery play, which has been staged regularly since 1920 at the Salzburg Festival, is about the unexpected death of a wealthy, free-spirited man, whose impending death leaves him facing questions about the meaning of life, his own religious beliefs and the impermanence of earthly belongings.
Performances of the theatrical group of the “Fischertag” association
The subject matter is timeless and concerns everyone. It is therefore no surprise that the play is continually offered in new productions and numerous dialect versions. The Swabian version by Hermann Pfeifer was also performed several times in the 1990s by the theatrical group of the Memmingen “Fischertag” association with various cast members, the last time being in 1998.
Remake after 20 years
And now, 20 years later, it is once again time: the theatrical group of the "Fischertag" association is staging “Everyman” in the version by Hermann Pfeifer again. The Memmingen parish church of St Martin will serve as the theatre and as an impressive backdrop. The premiere takes place on Wednesday, 27 June. Further performances will take place from 29 June to 1 July and from 4 to 7 July. Additional guest performances will take place in the baroque church in Edelstetten on 13 and 14 July.
“Great productions” in Memmingen
“In my opinion, all performances of the play to date in Memmingen have proven to be great – in fact I would even say important – productions, which compare favourably in their overall performances with productions on large German stages. One can thus see the power of amateur dramatics, to which I would like to pay my particular respects here”, stresses Hermann Pfeifer's son Gerhard Pfeifer, President of the PFEIFER Group, which sponsored the performances.