Die Feuerschrift. Giacomo Casanova und das Ende des alten Europa

Reading, talk and ARTE film premiere

Moderated by: Daniela Strigl
In his new book Die Feuerschrift, Lothar Müller sheds light on Casanova less as a libertine than as an attentive observer of the new power-political constellations in Europe around 1800. Casanova, recently staged by the Stuttgart Opera, spent the end of his life as a lonely librarian, far away from the action in the Bohemian castle of Dux. Lothar Müller, on the other hand, shows a highly networked contemporary who follows and comments on all the upheavals in Europe, from the Russian annexation of Crimea and the storming of the Bastille to the fall of the Republic of Venice. Above all, however, Casanova himself undertakes many long journeys, such as the journey to the Prussian capital, which is described in detail for the first time, and from there to Russia and Poland. Lothar Müller is an honorary professor at the Humboldt University of Berlin. Until 2020, he was an editor in the features section of the Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Short break

20.30 hrs
Giacomo Casanova - More than a Don Juan
Introduction: Reinhold Jaretzky
The film sheds light on the myth of Casanova and questions the clichéd image that has emerged from his memoirs over the centuries. It focuses on themes and quotations from his writings, beginning with his illness and the writing of his memoirs. Casanova is shown not only as a lover, but also as a diplomat and observer of his time.

ARTE/MDR, 52 min., by Reinhold Jaretzky, broadcast date: 2.4.

Free admission

With the support of the Stuttgart State Opera and ARTE