24 - Olga Neuwirth (b. 1968)

Summary

Olga Neuwirth is a courageous woman. She does not hesitate to voice her criticism of social injustice in her writings, interviews, and addresses; she also takes up the cause of minorities. Her outrage finds expression in her music as well as in her words.

Olga Neuwirth's writings reveal someone who has experienced and suffered a great deal. She is sharp-witted, tough, but also vulnerable. A fragile woman, who in our interview seemed to open up to my questions without any reservations, so that the interview made a strong emotional impact. I hope something of that impact will emerge in the transcript.

Vienna, March 14, 2016

I have read your beautiful text on Eleanor. It is a work that particularly appeals to me—and I have the impression that it is a kind of self-portrait. Let me quote you: “For me, this composition is a tribute to all those who have dared and still dare to voice criticism despite social and political opposition.”

And you go on to say: “Eleanor would … especially like to pay tribute to courageous women—which explains the woman's name in the title.”

It also seems that “courage,” “criticism,” “dare” are keywords for you, as are “wound” and “fight”: “The name Eleanor is a reference to Billie Holiday. Beginning in childhood, her life was marked by abuse, which leftdeep wounds. Wounds that made it difficult to live. Her great talent, and the enormity of her soul and spirit were thus constantly fighting a sense of emptiness. Nothing was able to dull her profound nihilism.”

How about starting this interview with some autobiographical information? I would like to know what it was that made you the Olga Neuwirth we know. You, who—when asked if there was anything you were frightened of—said: “Of life itself.”

I just want to say this: I do not trust people.

Precisely. This is closely linked to the keyword “wound.” You have had many disappointments. Is this what lies behind your opinion that “Man is a rat”?

I must have been twenty-one when I said that. I am now nearly fifty and my opinion has not changed. On the contrary.