Hans-Peter Arzberger: 'I get to work on the positive end of the catastrophe'

Hans-Peter Arzberger, a writer and artist from Wolkersdorf, dedicates his work to exploring the consequences of overconsumption and the need for sustainability. He believes in taking action rather than merely complaining about inaction, channeling this philosophy into founding the "Stückschmiede" (Piece Forge).

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We have something to say, so we write.

Through "Stückschmiede," Arzberger develops theater plays and screenplays that tackle themes often outside the mainstream and not always lighthearted. His creative endeavors aim to initiate thought processes about the "too much" in the world. He draws inspiration from his own life, including a childhood on a farm and his current "bread-and-butter" job, weaving these experiences into his artistic output.

A notable initiative is his "Ressourcenflohmarkt" (Resource Flea Market), which is celebrating its 100th performance. This event challenges attendees to question how many possessions they truly need. Instead of an entrance fee, participants bring a "dust-catcher", an item they no longer need. This exchanged item grants them entry and transforms into a "resource card" during the evening, allowing them to take home an object someone else wanted to discard.

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We address topics that may not come from the mainstream and are not always funny.

Arzberger's motivation stems partly from a conversation with one of his adult children, who expressed reservations about bringing children into a world perceived as unsustainable. This prompted Arzberger to contribute actively, initially planning the Resource Flea Market as a one-off event. His authentic approach, prioritizing his message over audience laughter, evolved into his role as a "climate cabaret artist" starting in 2019, a time when climate change discussions were gaining traction. The program was also influenced by the sheer number of coffee machines people owned, highlighting personal excess.

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I knew what I had to say, and I wanted to remain highly authentic. An important decision was that I didn't care if anyone laughed.