Before the collapse of the German Democratic Republic, Heiner Müller was widely regarded, internationally and in both German states, as “the most important German dramatist since Brecht”. Subsequently, like other “heroes” of the GDR semi-dissident scene, he was the target of a concerted campaign accusing him, among other things, of collaboration with the Stasi (Staats-Sicherheitsdienst, the GDR political police) and crypto-Stalinist tendencies. His reputation, despite a short-term eclipse, will survive these inanities; the extended public wake held upon his death on 30 December 1995 gave expression to a deep sense of loss in the vibrant East Berlin cultural scene of which he was the most brilliant protagonist. Ironically, he was the one GDR author who best satisfied the aesthetic…
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Citation: Milfull, John. "Heiner Müller". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 28 January 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5429, accessed 23 November 2024.]
