Gundermann: A life between the excavator and the stage – premiere at the State Theater!

Gundermann: A life between the excavator and the stage – premiere at the State Theater!

On October 30, 2025, a special rehearsal of the play “THE GRASS KEEP GROWING” will be performed at the Cottbus State Theater. This piece, presented on the occasion of Gerhard Gundermann's 70th birthday, takes a deep look at the life and music of this extraordinary artist. Gundermann, who was born in Weimar on February 21, 1955 and died in 1998 at the age of 43, is considered a prominent figure in the East German music scene.

With his dual identity as a musician and excavator driver, Gundermann questioned the expectations of an artist. He began his music career in the former GDR while at the same time working in the brown coal mining industry. “I'm not just the singing excavator driver,” he often said, making it clear to his listeners that it doesn't matter what craft he practices - the only thing that counts is his touching songs. These songs, imbued with clever, often melancholic lyrics, illuminate the contradictions of his life and speak to many people, particularly former East Germans who felt alienated after reunification.

A life's work in songs

The piece not only addresses Gundermann's songs, but also the many facets of his life. He was a workaholic who repeatedly took up work in the opencast mine in order to remain true to the authenticity of his music. Entire albums stand out from his discography, including “Men, Women and Machines” and “Breakfast Forever,” both of which showcase his artistic versatility and the depth of his lyrics.

Gundermann's development, which began in his youth, is particularly remarkable. After briefly studying at a military academy, he was ultimately drawn to machines and music. Various strokes of fate, such as the early death of his friend and fellow musician Tamara Danz, shaped his life as well as his failed candidacy for a seat in the People's Chamber after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His legacy lives on in the German music scene to this day and is also honored by the biographical film by Andreas Dresen, released in 2018, which celebrated considerable success at the German Film Awards.

A legacy that lasts

On October 30th, the theater not only invites you to commemorate Gundermann, but also to reflect on the relevance of his works today. “THE GRASS KEEP GROWING” promises a very special experience that will captivate both old fans and newcomers. The combination of theater and music makes the examination of Gundermann's life exciting and appealing.

In the meantime, health also remains a key issue in times of COVID-19. Above all, the focus is on the tests. Current information on COVID-19 testing shows how important access to testing is and what social factors can play a role. Concern for one's own health cuts across society, and it is important to ensure equal opportunities in access to testing. Therefore, it is not just about cultural events, but also about social issues that affect us all when we think about Gundermann's legacy and our own lives.

October 30th marks not only a birthday, but also an opportunity to reflect on the many aspects of human life that Gundermann expresses through his art. A real feast for the soul!

For more information, please visit these pages: cottbus, Wikipedia about Gerhard Gundermann and CDC on COVID-19 testing.