The contemporary update of the historical “Salon”: Every Sunday, Anna Luca Krassnigg invites personalities from the worlds of art, literature and science to discuss burning issues of the present in the light of the season’s motto. This time we are enriched by Daniela Strigl, Klaus Theweleit, Florian Scheuba, Lisz Hirn, Peter Strasser, Jonas Grethlein, Judith Kohlenberger, Barbara Tóth, László Földenyi and Jérôme Junod.
The form of the salon, which undoubtedly has something theatrical about it, aims at a double event: the stage experience as a spark and the public salon as a ritual to further develop the experience and allow it to take effect.
With her renowned guests, theater maker Anna Luca Krassnigg explores varieties of the monstrous and seeks answers to the eternal riddle of man’s dual nature: in ancient myths, in Austria, in complex war and love relationships, in the monstrous events of our time.
Sun March 1, 2026 | 11:30
Sun March 8, 2026 | 11:30
Sun March 15, 2026 | 11:30
Sun March 22, 2026 | 11:30
Sun March 29, 2026 | 11:30
Bahngasse 27, 2700 Wiener Neustadt
approx. 1.5 hours (no break)
Normal price: € 10
U25 ticket: € 2.50
For further discounts see here
“Nothing more monstrous than the human being” with Peter Strasser (philosopher) and Florian Scheuba (comedian)
On the first Sunday of the festival – after the premieres of Qualtinger’s “Volksfest” and Kleist’s “Penthesilea” – we discuss the strange abysses of man, be it in moral, social or political terms. Which mechanisms and structures promote man’s terrible possibilities and which can hinder him or even help him to develop his positive potential? And what role does humor play in the face of the monstrous?
We look for answers with the well-known Austrian author, legal and religious philosopher Peter Strasser and the controversial stage magnet Florian Scheuba.
Sunday March 8, 11:30 a.m: “Männerphantasien und zornige Frauen” with Daniela Strigl (literary scientist) and Klaus Theweleit (cultural scientist)
The character of Penthesilea, written by a male author, expresses a bundle of “monstrosities”: feminine, foreign, warlike, unruly, non-conformist and ultimately destructive. To what extent are these qualities perceived as particularly threatening and what place can female defiance and female anger claim for themselves in our culture?
We interview the German cult author Klaus Theweleit (“Männerphantasien”) and the brilliant Austrian cultural scientist Daniela Strigl (“Zum Trotz”).
“Austria as a testing ground for the end of the world” with Judith Kohlenberger (cultural scientist and migration researcher) and Barbara Tóth (journalist and historian)
Karl Kraus’ almost 100-year-old description of our country seems to have lost none of its topicality since Kraus and Qualtinger in view of contemporary developments (and export hits such as Jan Marsalek, Karin Kneissl, Martin Sellner and René Benko). Two much sought-after and committed Austrian experts discuss the country’s recent history and the possible cultural causes of egregious phenomena of the Austriakian kind.
“War again? Against the war!” with László Földenyi (literary scientist) and Lisz Hirn (philosopher)
On the basis of the war and love play “Penthesilea” and the international situation, thought patterns of war but also humanity’s longing for peace will be explored. From the Trojans to today’s battlefields: How much are we shaped by myths, narratives and images and how can we best grasp the reality of war and the real reason for peace?
The Hungarian Kleist translator and editor László Földenyi and the renowned Austrian philosopher Lisz Hirn approach what is perhaps the most difficult topic of our time.
„Mein Leben mit Troja“ with Jonas Grethlein (classical philologist) and Jérôme Junod (director and playwright)
The Trojan War depicts the archetype of senseless war and the fragility of human existence. No myth asks the questions: What are you doing, man? Why war? Who are our gods? so vividly, so disturbingly and yet so familiar. Literature and science star Jonas Grethlein (“My Year with Achilles”) and director Jérôme Junod (“Penthesilea”) join us to discuss their artistic and scientific experiences with the Troy phenomenon and the enduring, fascinating validity of the characters and stories.
Konzept und Moderation: Anna Luca Krassnigg
Wissenschaftliche Koordination: Jérôme Junod
A production by Wortwiege, funded by the state of Lower Austria and the city of Wiener Neustadt.
