„DER GESCHENKTE GAUL“- 99 JAHRE HILDEGARD KNEF!

The actress Adelheid Kleineidam presents texts by Hildegard Knef.

Who was this exceptional artist Hildegard Knef, who, born in Ulm, became a Berliner through and through and a world star? How did she manage to shine in the ruins of Berlin, emaciated and starving, both in the city's theaters and in film studios, to such an extent that even Hollywood discovered her? Why did she turn her back on the "land of opportunity" to build up a second career in Germany - writing, singing and painting - which was initially unloved? What did she learn from Marlene Dietrich and how did she become the dazzling figure who is still unforgotten today?

In addition to her personal life, her rich autobiography "Der geschenkte Gaul" also contains Berlin theater and contemporary German history. Hildegard Knef's strong-willed personality and her gripping, razor-sharp view of people and situations are reflected in her extraordinary linguistic style. Further facets of her diverse talents and perspectives can be discovered in the song lyrics.

The actress Adelheid Kleineidam combines excerpts from "Der geschenkte Gaul" with a selection of different song texts that not only make it "rain red roses", but also reveal lesser-known aspects of this special life.

Hildegard Knef (25.12.1925-1.2.2002) made her first stage appearances as an actress in 1945 at the Tribüne am Ku'damm, later at the Renaissance Theater and the Schlosspark Theater in Steglitz under the direction of Boleslaw Barlog. It was here that film director Wolfgang Staudte saw her and engaged her for the first German post-war film "Die Mörder sind unter uns" (1946), which also made Knef internationally famous. In 1963, Hildegard Knef began her second career as a chanson singer and lyricist. She began writing her autobiography as early as 1964. "Der geschenkte Gaul" was published in 1970, became a worldwide success and was translated into 17 languages.

"Happiness only lasts for minutes, the rest is waiting." Hildegard Knef