A conversation about Franz Kafka - The Burrow + Josefine, the Singer or The People of the Mice

Classics of literary history: Ulrike Draesner and John von Düffel discuss two works by Franz Kafka, "The Burrow" and "Josefine, the Singer or The Mouse Folk." In 2024, we will mark the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka's death, one of the most widely read writers in the world. We take this anniversary as an opportunity to talk about two of his narratives that are central to today. "The Burrow," published posthumously in 1923-1924 and never completed, tells the story of a nameless animal protagonist who creates an underground structure. In this complex tunnel system, he lives protected and in isolation from the outside world. However, the growing paranoia due to a strange noise continuously diminishes his sense of security. The second story also features an animal as the main character. The mouse Josefine is admired by the mouse community for her voice. At the same time, her singing does not receive unanimous approval; her star-like behavior causes discontent. In "Josefine, the Singer or The Mouse Folk," Kafka describes the fragility of fame and popularity and poses universal questions about the value of art and the perception of artists by the audience. The text is part of the anthology "The Hunger Artist," his last published work during his lifetime. The conversation about Franz Kafka will be led by writer Ulrike Draesner and dramaturg and author John von Düffel. This event series is organized by LpZ Stuttgart and DerDiwan Audiobook Publishing, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports of Baden-Württemberg. Anne-Dore Krohn will moderate, and Timo Brunke will deliver the prologue and epilogue.