In the 1920s and 30s, Stefan Zweig was one of the most translated writers in the world. His stories, such as Letter From An Unknown Woman and Beware Of Pity, blended masterly storytelling, psychological truth, and an understanding of the dark, hidden emotions beneath everyday life. By 1942, Zweig was dead, another Jewish casualty of the Nazi regime – and a victim of his own destructive impulses.Blurring fact and fiction in a riveting, moving production, mixing theatricality, music and innovative projection, Deep Dark South's new play explores the life and work of a forgotten master. 

The Beauty & Meaning Of Autographs is perhaps the only play, along with Ronald Harwood’s ‘Collaboration’, to consider the relationship between Stefan Zweig’s personal life and his work, and as such is a fascinating opportunity for devotees and newcomers alike.

Due to publishers such as the Pushkin Press, there has been a resurgence of interest in this international writer, and we thank them, along with Williams Verlag AG and Penguin, for allowing us to use excerpts from his writing, alongside letters between himself and his first wife Friderike. Zweig was one of the foremost collectors of famous manuscripts, due to his obsession with the creative process. Much of the collection now resides in the British Library.

Deep Dark South is a company of students from Portsmouth Grammar School, directed by Director-In-Residence James Robinson. This is their first production. For further information please contact James on 07734 220900 / j.robinson@pgs.org.uk.

Venue: Spaces On The Mile @ The Radisson Space 3 (Venue 39)