King of Albania

Salzburg, March 1913. The showman Otto Witte is committed to a mental institution because he steadfastly claims to have been the King of Albania. The young doctoral student Alois Schilchegger is fascinated by this man and takes him under his wing. Otto's version of world history begins in October 1912 in Constantinople. The Ottoman Empire is on the verge of collapse. Albania seizes the opportunity, declares independence, and seeks a king. Otto and his companion, the sword swallower Max Hoffmann, risk a daring coup: Albania is looking for a king? Albania will get a king! Specifically, Otto, who bears an uncanny resemblance to a potential candidate for the throne. Otto and Max appear in costume as the prince and his secretary. No one raises a single question. For five days, chaos reigns in Albania. Otto holds parades, is proclaimed king, is cheered by the people, establishes a harem, and rallies against Serbia and Montenegro. The deception, of course, does not go unnoticed and is eventually exposed. This novel about Albania's supposed short-term king is a highly entertaining homage to the art of spinning tales and swindling.

Reading by Uve Teschner
2 mp3 CDs.