376
PATRICIA MARX
fonned you were not a particularly well-known figure in Gennany.
What effect has fame had on you personally?
HOCHHUTH:
I was completely unknown. I edited books, as thousands
of other people do. Editions of the classics. But otherwise I was totally
unheard of.
MARX:
How did this sudden attention affect you?
HOCHHUTH:
It frightened me, but it also had its good side, I hope. It
brought me many friends-not my reputation, but my book. Many
friends whom I otherwise would never have met and who now enrich
my life. I might add, of course, that such great repercussions stemming
from one's first play place a considerable mortgage on one's next play,
even before it is written. And it is my great concern, which preoccupies
me day and night, whether with my new play, or with any new
literary work, I will be able to fulfill what is now expected of me.
MARX:
Mr. Hochhuth, I want to thank you very much for this interview.
HOCHHUTH:
I want to thank you. It was a truly pleasant afternoon,
and I really had a good time, although I would not have thought it
possible that I could still enjoy talking about my play. Thank you.