Zurich Transit

Based on an episode from his 1964 novel Gantenbein, Zurich Transit is a Max Frisch screenplay about a man named Theo Ehrismann who cannot change his life. One day, he arrives home to read his own obituary and attends his own funeral, but he is unable to reveal himself to the mourners, especially his wife. Frisch believed that life is the sum of events that happen by chance and that there is not a single action or omission that does not allow for variables in the future. Zurich Transit showcases Frisch's dramatic powers and his belief in a dramaturgy of coincidence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

This captivating screenplay by Swiss playwright and novelist Max Frisch was meticulously crafted from an episode featured in his 1964 novel, Gantenbein, or A Wilderness of Mirrors. At the heart of both works lies the enigmatic character of Theo Ehrismann, a man who, despite numerous resolutions to transform his life, seems perpetually trapped in a cycle of stagnation. Fate intervenes one fateful day upon Theo's return from a foreign journey. As he arrives home, he stumbles upon his own obituary in the newspaper, a chilling testament to his seemingly inevitable demise. Surprisingly, Theo arrives just in time for his own funeral, where he observes the sorrowful mourners, yet he is unable to reveal his true identity to them, particularly to his wife. Pondering the question of how to proclaim his existence, Theo finds himself in a state of bewilderment.

Frisch, in his profound wisdom, observed that life, as intricate as it may seem, is a tapestry woven from the unpredictable events that occur by chance. He believed that every action, every omission, holds the potential for variables to shape the course of the future. Zurich Transit showcases Frisch at the pinnacle of his dramatic prowess, exemplifying his unwavering belief in a dramaturgy of coincidence rather than causality. This play is a testament to his exceptional talent and his profound exploration of the human condition. Through the enigmatic character of Theo Ehrismann, Frisch delves into the complexities of existence, questioning the nature of identity, fate, and the power of chance to shape our lives. It is a thought-provoking masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences, inviting us to reflect on the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact of our choices.

Weight: 116g
Dimension: 129 x 203 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857428189