Benno Besson
A Swiss stage director who brought a playful, physically inventive, and globally-minded sensibility to European theater.
1922–2006 (age 84)·Swiss theatre director and actor·Birthday: November 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Benno Besson was a theatrical cosmopolitan who translated the energy of epic theater into joyous, accessible spectacles. A protégé of Bertolt Brecht at the Berliner Ensemble after World War II, Besson absorbed the principles of political theater but filtered them through his own light touch and love of comedy. He became a sought-after director across Europe, particularly in East Germany, Switzerland, and France, known for productions that were visually striking and full of movement. His landmark work on plays like 'The Dragon' by Yevgeny Schwarz showcased his ability to blend satire, fairy tale, and sharp social commentary. Besson believed theater should be a popular art form, a place of collective discovery and fun, without sacrificing intellectual depth. His influence shaped a generation of European directors who saw the stage as a playground for both ideas and imagination.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Benno was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Benno Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Benno's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2006Died at 84
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
Key Achievements
- Served as the artistic director of the Volksbühne in Berlin during the 1970s.
- His production of 'The Dragon' became an iconic and enduring success in the German theatrical repertoire.
- Won the prestigious Konrad Wolf Prize for his outstanding contributions to the arts in East Germany.
- Directed at major theaters across Europe, including the Burgtheater in Vienna and the Comédie-Française in Paris.
Did You Know?
He was originally an actor before turning his focus to directing.
Besson held French and Swiss citizenship and worked extensively in both countries.
His daughter, Ruth Besson, is a well-known actress in France.
He was a key figure in introducing the works of Dario Fo to German-speaking audiences.
“Theater is the art of making the invisible visible, and doing it with joy.”
