Thomas Brasch

Thomas Brasch (1945–2001) was a German poet, playwright, filmmaker, and translator. Born in Westow, Yorkshire, to Jewish émigré parents, he grew up in East Germany. He studied at the Film and Television Academy in Potsdam-Babelsberg but was expelled for political reasons. After imprisonment and a publication ban, he moved from East Germany to West Berlin in 1976. His literary breakthrough came with the story collection “Vor den Vätern sterben die Söhne” (1977). His notable works also include the poetry collection “Der schöne 27. September” and the films “Engel aus Eisen,” “Domino,” and “Der Passagier,” which he wrote and directed. Brasch received, among other honors, the Bavarian Film Award and the Kleist Prize.