Unterweger

Austrian prison poet, heartthrob, journalist, convicted murderer: Jack Unterweger was many things, and over the course of his life he played numerous roles. During his first imprisonment, to which he had been sentenced for the murder of an 18-year-old girl, he published his first novel, which instantly brought him fame. A petition for his release was signed by, among others, Elfriede Jelinek, Ernst Jandl and Günter Grass. After 15 years in prison, he was released: Unterweger became the prime example of “successful rehabilitation.” But in 1994 came the second conviction — for the murder of nine women. UNTERWEGER traces this irrational fascination — an evening about desire and compassion, attraction and disgust, judgment and mercy.