The renowned Swiss playwright and novelist Friedrich Dürrenmatt had an unusual way of following his beloved local football team - he would watch Neuchâtel Xamax matches through a telescope from his home. This peculiar habit revealed both his passion for the sport and his characteristically unconventional approach to life, much like the dark humor and philosophical depth that defined his literary works.
Dürrenmatt, best known for his plays 'The Visit' and 'The Physicists,' lived in Neuchâtel for much of his later life and developed a deep attachment to the city's football club. From his residence, he could observe the matches at the local stadium using his telescope, creating a unique perspective that allowed him to maintain some distance while still engaging with the community's shared passion. This method of spectatorship seemed fitting for a writer who often examined human behavior from an analytical, almost scientific viewpoint.
The playwright's relationship with football reflected his broader interest in Swiss culture and society. Dürrenmatt was known for his sharp observations about human nature, and football provided him with another lens through which to study social dynamics and collective behavior. His telescope viewing sessions became something of a local legend, with neighbors and fellow Xamax supporters often commenting on the writer's distinctive way of following the team.
This unusual viewing habit also demonstrated Dürrenmatt's ability to find profound meaning in everyday activities. Just as he transformed ordinary situations into complex moral dilemmas in his plays, his telescopic football watching became a metaphor for the writer's role as an observer of society. The physical distance created by the telescope may have actually enhanced his understanding of the game's emotional and social significance.
Dürrenmatt's connection to Neuchâtel Xamax remained strong throughout his later years, and his telescope became an integral part of his routine during the football season. This quirky tradition has since become part of the local folklore surrounding one of Switzerland's most celebrated literary figures, illustrating how even the most distinguished intellectuals can find joy and meaning in the simple pleasure of supporting their hometown team.
