B. Traven, Ein europäischer Schriftsteller in der Künstlergemeinschaft

Simonskall / Hürtgenwald, June 2026 – The HöhenArt Hürtgenwald e. V. art and culture association invites you to a special event at the Marienkapelle Simonskall on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 4 p.m.The focus will be on the writer B. Traven, who is today known worldwide as the author of the novels The Death Ship (1926) and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1927). Less known is that Traven lived in Simonskall under the pseudonym Ret Marut between 1919 and 1921 and was part of the Kalltalgemeinschaft – an artists' colony that, despite its short existence, had a lasting impact on the regional art and literature scene and set important impulses for the avant-garde of its time.On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the publication of the novel The Death Ship, the event will recall B. Traven's connection to Simonskall and illuminate his literary and cultural-historical work in the European and Mexican context.

Invitation

B. Traven – A European Writer in the Artists' Community KALLTALPRESSE

Saturday, July 11, 2026, 4 p.m., Simonskall

Dear Sir or Madam,

from 1919 to 1921, the so-called Kalltalgemeinschaft lived in Simonskall. Despite this short period, the artists' colony had a lasting impact on the regional art and literature scene. The community provided crucial impulses to both the regional and international avant-garde. The most famous member today was the writer B. Traven. His novels The Death Ship (1926, *1959 filmed with Horst Buchholz, Mario Adorf, and others) and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1927, *1948 filmed with Humphrey Bogart) are still considered classics of world literature.

On this occasion, the Arts & Culture Association HöhenArt Hürtgenwald e.V. cordially invites you and all interested citizens to a special literary event.
In 2026, we will remember the publication of the novel “The Death Ship” 100 years ago and B. Traven, who lived in Simonskall under the pseudonym Ret Marut. We will host a panel discussion with guests, moderated by Michael Köhler (WDR).

Panel participants (as of May 2026):

• Helga Grabbe, Honorary Consul of the United Mexican States, Cologne
• Dr. Jasmin Grande, Project “Modernity in the Rhineland,” Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf
• Timothy Heyman, Managing Director B. Traven Estate, Mexico

 (Further personalities are invited)

Event date:
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

Location: Marienkapelle, Simonskall 4, 52393 Hürtgenwald

Please note:
Due to limited seating, we kindly ask for your binding
registration by July 4, 2026 at the latest via e-mail to:
buergermeister@huertgenwald.de

Pre-event:
At 3:45 p.m. a plaque will be ceremoniously unveiled at the “Junkerhaus” in memory of the artists' community “KALLTALPRESSE” – you are warmly invited to participate in this as well!

We would be very pleased with your interest and participation.

Sincerely
signed
(Stephan Cranen)
Chairman