Martin Brambach, known for his role as police chief Peter Michael Schnabel in ‘Tatort,’ shares his deep connection to his hometown of Dresden. Born there and having had a joyful childhood, he recently published a travel guide, ‘Nice to meet you, Dresden!’ Reflecting on his experiences, he discusses the evolving dynamics of the show, the importance of personal connections in storytelling, and the need to challenge stereotypes about East Germany. Brambach emphasizes that ‘Tatort’ can positively influence perceptions of Dresden.
Martin Brambach: A True Dresden Native
For countless television fans, Martin Brambach is best recognized as police chief Peter Michael Schnabel from the acclaimed series ‘Tatort,’ set in Dresden. However, the 57-year-old actor has a profound connection to the Saxon capital that transcends his on-screen role. Born in Dresden, Brambach enjoyed a “very, very happy childhood” before relocating to Berlin at the tender age of six. Recently, he even released a travel guide dedicated to his beloved hometown, titled ‘Nice to meet you, Dresden!’ published by Polyglott.
Deep Roots and Personal Connections
In a heartfelt interview with spot on news, Brambach, who has called Recklinghausen in the Ruhr area home for many years, shares his deep-seated ties to the city along the Elbe River. He opens up about the clichés surrounding East and West Germany, and how the dynamics of the Dresden ‘Tatort’ have evolved since his colleague, Karin Hanczewski, departed from the series.
When asked about his feelings towards Dresden, Brambach reflects, “It is something very special. I grew up in Dresden during my early years and had a very, very happy childhood there. The happiness only stopped when I moved to Berlin at six. I have such beautiful memories and enjoyed a carefree childhood that Dresden holds a significant place in my heart. I always feel energized when I visit the city.”
Having published his first travel guide, ‘Nice to meet you, Ruhrgebiet!’, followed by one on Dresden, he expresses, “While I feel at home in the Ruhr area, I also cherish my time in Dresden. The guide had two personal motivations: I wanted to explore my family’s history, as my father is from Dresden and experienced its transformation during and after the war. I also wanted to deepen my understanding of the city itself, especially since filming for ‘Tatort’ leaves little time for exploration.”
When asked about the possibility of moving back to Dresden, Brambach considers, “That could very well happen. However, I feel quite comfortable here in the Ruhr area. The down-to-earth mentality of the people resonates with me, and the cost of living is more manageable compared to Dresden.”
As an actor with a profound connection to Dresden, Brambach’s perspective on the city has evolved since joining the ‘Tatort’ cast. “I used to pass through Dresden sporadically, but now I have the privilege of spending time in my hometown while getting paid for it. This has changed my relationship with the city significantly,” he explains.
Brambach emphasizes the importance of personal connections in storytelling, particularly in the context of his character’s involvement in local issues. “When my character supported Pegida, it made me reflect deeply on the political landscape in my hometown. Engaging with different perspectives allowed me to understand the complexities better.” He adds that the ‘Tatort’ aims to portray both the traditional and modern aspects of Dresden, showcasing its rich history alongside its contemporary contradictions.
Discussing the stereotypes surrounding East Germany, Brambach notes, “As an artist, you often rely on clichés for dramatic effect, but it’s essential to portray reality accurately. The East continues to grapple with misconceptions, particularly after recent elections, but we all belong to one nation, and understanding one another is vital.” He recalls his own experiences with stereotypes after moving to the West, sharing a humorous anecdote about someone questioning whether escalators existed in the GDR.
Ultimately, Brambach believes that while ‘Tatort’ isn’t a promotional tool, it can shape perceptions of a city. “We tell compelling, sometimes polarizing stories about human nature. The response from Dresden has been overwhelmingly positive, and while it may not change the city’s image drastically, it promotes familiarity and acceptance of its unique culture,” he concludes.
It’s worth noting that Brambach isn’t the only Dresden local in ‘Tatort’; his colleague Cornelia Gröschel also hails from the city, further enriching the show’s authentic representation of Dresden.