Max Knapp(1899-1979)

The Swiss actor and singer Max Knapp (born in Zurich on 13-11-1899) first learned woodcarving from his father but soon turned to his true passion, dramatic art. After taking acting and singing lessons, he embarked on a long and fruitful career, judge for yourself: from 1917 to 1920, he performed at the Zurich City Theatre; between 1920 and 1926, he was a member of the Theater of Saint Gall and from 1926 to 1928, of the Wuppertal (Rhineland) theater. After that, he became a fixture of the Basel Stadttheater, from 1928 until his death. i.e... fifty-one years later! Knapp's talents were varied : being cheeky and cheerful, he was a born comedian, but being endowed with great means, he also shone in tragic roles. As if playing one role after the other was not enough, Knapp started directing as of 1947. To say nothing of the numerous radio, television and film productions he participated in. In 1966, his merits were crowned by the Hans Reinhart Ring. He died in Basel on 16-12-1979, at the age of eighty, after donating his person in no less than 900 roles in plays, in operas and operettas (his last appearance was in "The Marriage of Figaro" at 80!). A busy career, if you will pardon the euphemism!