The exhibit presents photographs, portraits, facsimiles of manuscripts and documents, including some recently discovered material of the prominent Jewish Austrian playwright, journalist, and biographer Stefan Zweig (1881-1942). A prolific writer in the 1920s and 1930s, Zweig fled Austria in 1934 after Hitler’s rise to power, lived first in England, and then, in 1940, moved to the United States. In 1941 he left for Brazil where he and his wife committed suicide in 1942 in Petropolis. After decades of silence, Stefan Zweig is now recognized as one of Salzburg’s “great sons.” Reflecting the latest developments in literary research, the aim of the exhibition is to present a portrait of Stefan Zweig’s life and work that includes bibliographical details and avoids nostalgic glorification. The exhibit will give the German program the opportunity to introduce an Austrian writer to our students and explore his biographical background in light of his philosophy and the political reality. A round table discussion with Klemens Renoldner, the Director of the Stefan Zweig Centre in Salzburg, and other experts in Austrian Literature is planned. The exhibit will be organized and sponsored by the City of Salzburg Culture Department and the Austrian Consulate General.
