In-demand interviewee

The theatre, built beside Alstertor in 1912, is used by the DIE ZEIT weekly newspaper for bigger events. Schmidt is invited to speak at the matinee event »Germany, a construction site. Too many foremen, not enough tradesmen« in the autumn of 2003. As one of the newspaper’s editors for two decades, Schmidt debates Germany’s and the world’s problems together with his younger colleagues, Josef Joffe and Michael Naumann. In doing so, he stays true to his values: he does not mince words when it comes to politicians and the tabloid press. As an elder statesman, he is in his element when the big topics are debated. No-one forbids him from smoking here either: Schmidt says he is allowed to smoke in the Thalia Theatre thanks to a »special permit from the fire brigade«.