Gunzenhausen Erzählfest begins with Jakob Wassermann tribute

The Erzählfest organized by Kulturmacherei Gunzenhausen has commenced with a literary and musical evening centered on Jakob Wassermann’s 1920 novella, ‘Adam Urbas’. The story, which involves a farmer imprisoned for the murder of his son, is partially set in the Gunzenhausen district of Aha.

The event, held in the town hall foyer, featured musical performances by Ruth Tuffentsamer on flute and Almut Pfahler on violin, performing an arrangement of a composition by the late local music master Otto Scheuernstuhl.

During the opening, Markus Hofer, chairman of the Kulturmacherei, and Mayor Matthias Hörr welcomed guests and highlighted the city's support for cultural events. Former city archivist Werner Mühlhäußer also provided historical context regarding Jakob Wassermann, noting that while the author was an international bestseller in the 1920s, he was blacklisted after 1933. Wassermann maintained a connection to Gunzenhausen through family ties and frequent visits.