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From the classroom to the stage: This is how Dominik Muheim made it to the most prestigious prize in cabaret.
The 43rd edition of the Salzburger Stier took place in Olten on the weekend of May 3rd and 4th. The black block with the two horns is the most important cabaret prize in German-speaking countries. Every year one person from Germany, Austria and Switzerland is honored with this award.
This year the Salzburg bull went to the Swiss cabaret artist Dominik Muheim. The award-winning slam poet and cabaret artist is actually a qualified primary school teacher. Almost ten years ago he moved from the classroom to the stage – and with success.
Success with Poetry Slam
The 31-year-old has already been crowned Swiss poetry slam champion five times, won the Theater and Cabaret Prize of the Canton of Baselland in 2017 and has already published two books.
That gives me goosebumps. I want to try that too.
As a teenager, the Basel native realized that his future on the stage was predestined. At the age of 16, Muheim went out for the first time. When he listened to a 20-piece band in the Sommercasino, a facility in Basel, he was blown away. «It just hit me. I noticed that people who talk or sing on stage have an effect on me. That gives me goosebumps. I want to try that too. Later I found the poetry slam,” said Muheim in an interview with G&G presenter Michel Birri.
Self-doubt as a loyal companion
The renowned cabaret artist prize was a confirmation for Muheim. «When you put together a stage program yourself, self-doubt is always a constant companion and you then ask yourself whether you are on the right path. The award shows me that I can continue on this path,” says the slam poet and cabaret artist.
I begrudge him more than anyone else.
His colleagues from the Swiss cabaret scene are also sure that Muheim is on the right path. While SRF culture director Susanne Wille likes the Basler’s poetic storytelling, cabaret artist Patti Basler is sure that the Salzburg bull fits Muheim just by name. Cabaret artist and author Bänz Friedli is even more impressed by the 31-year-old: “He talks so lovingly, he is so inspired by his affection for people when he picks us up or himself. I want it for him more than anyone else.”
You can soon see for yourself the many meaningful compliments from Patti Basler, Lisa Christ and Co. From September 2024, Dominik Muheim will tour throughout German-speaking Switzerland with his first solo program “Soft Ice”.