Encounters that last: Sepp vom Hallplatz and his food for thought

Encounters that last: Sepp vom Hallplatz and his food for thought

The local editor’s column “Sepp vom Hallplatz” portrays encounters that enrich and shape life. From his travels to the small but wonderful moments in everyday life, the editor describes how his experiences with important personalities catapult him to unimagined heights. An impressive meeting recently took place at the German Embassy in Paris, where he spoke to August Graf Kageneck, an experienced doyen of the foreign press. The exchange became particularly warm after Sepp shared a few personal anecdotes when asked about his origins.

Another highlight was the meeting with the literary giant and Nobel Prize winner Günter Grass, who left a lasting impression on the RHEINPFALZ editorial team. Grass, known for his mustache, reading glasses and whistle, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1999, largely for his work “The Tin Drum,” which introduced Danzig to world literature. During their conversation, Grass emphasized the importance of having two daily newspapers in a city like Zweibrücken. The local editor particularly remembered this encounter.

Literary influences and lasting impressions

In addition to personal experiences, Günter Grass's literary homeland is also part of the discussions. As is well known, he was born in 1927 in the then free city of Danzig and became famous for his work, which deals with the Nazi, war and post-war periods. However, Grass also had a dark shadow in his past: his military service in the Waffen-SS, which he only admitted years later, is often discussed. The events surrounding him show how his past and his literary work are connected; “The Tin Drum” tells the story of the Gdansk boy Oskar Matzerath, who decides against growing up.

In the afternoon, Grass gave a reading of his famous work at the Hofenfels-Gymnasium, which further stimulated the local culture and interest in literature. Previous encounters with Willy Millowitsch, who needed a stage bunny for his appearance in Zweibrücken, also made clear the importance of contacts with local journalists. Helmut Reichling invited Gerd Simoneit-Barum's troupe to a reception at the Fasanerie, which demonstrated the close contact with artists and performers.

Unique friendships and humane commitments

As part of these events, a close friendship developed with the circus press director Pamela Böke, who greatly inspired the editor and his local colleagues. Gerd Simoneit passionately advocated a rethink of animal husbandry in the circus: away from the traditional tamer with the whip and towards a more caring approach. These conversations reinforce the human aspect that Grass and other personalities in the Cologne area convey.

Special attention was also paid to the animal visitors: the emu Kübi and the circus daughter Rebecca's goose were given asylum in Zweibrücken, which creates a lasting connection to the circus history and the city's commitment. These experiences once again make it clear how the coming together of different people, be it in cultural institutions or through everyday encounters, promotes the quality of life and exchange in the city.

Looking ahead to the future event program, we can only hope that the spirit of personalities like Günter Grass continues to move people. His literary legacy, but also his encounters with new generations, will always be remembered. Sepp vom Hallplatz invites readers to continue to be part of these experiences in the future and to experience the world a little closer.

You can find more information about Günter Grass and his literary legacy in the reports from schwaebische.de and up spiegel.de.