may news

My audio drama „Nichts ist sagt der Weise“ was selected as ‚Audio Play of the Month‘ by the Academy of Arts. In celebration of this award, Deutschlandfunk will be rebroadcasting the audio drama, accompanied by an in-depth interview exploring the making-of and my approach to composing audio dramas as total works of art. Tune in on May 3, 2025, to experience it all.

The Jury’s Rationale
In 1956, the poet Mascha Kaléko returned to Germany for a lecture tour. She recalls the good years in Berlin that brought her fame. She would like to pick up where she left off — but cannot. The Fontane Prize, intended to honor her, is to be presented by a former SS Standartenführer. We journey with Mascha Kaléko through her inner and outer worlds — her thoughts, her family, her relationships, and the countries she once called home — woven together from letters, notes, poems, and prose. We sense her restlessness, her inner unease. There is only one „Heimat“ — homeland — but which one is hers? Homelessness as a state of mind.

This audio drama succeeds in evoking a feeling, a human impression of Mascha Kaléko, rather than merely conveying facts — and that is what makes it compelling. In its most powerful moments, the story draws a line to contemporary antisemitism.
We believe it is important to confront this issue. All the more commendable that this is done not with a raised moral finger, but in a bold, irreverent tone that feels authentically Mascha Kaléko.

The music plays a central role here. Like a second narrative layer, it creates an atmosphere of melancholy, establishes a deep emotional connection to the poet, contrasts with her sometimes ironically cheeky texts, and underscores the reflective and sorrowful moments. Inspiring, committed, and deeply empathetic.

The Jury and Host Broadcaster 2025
Laila Stieler – screenwriter, audio drama author, dramaturge, and film producer
Sebastian Krumbiegel – musician and author
Host broadcaster: MDR

After a beautiful recording session in Kleiner Sendesaal RBB, Berlin, with drummer Eric Schaefer—my longtime collaborator on CDs and live shows—the music for the new radio play Sternenhimmel der Menschheit (author: #RaoulSchrott) is complete. It sounds like stars, meteors, solar storms, and the myths behind constellations. You’re invited to gaze into the universe and dream along. Stay tuned for what is coming. Production: BR2.

New handmade music

with a deluxe lineup

created in deep connection

with my longtime ally #EricSchaefer

in spirit and sound

🙏