Hugo Ball, best known as a founder of the wild Dada art movement, gives us a novel that feels like a backstage drama. It’s set in Zurich just before World War I, a city buzzing with artists, exiles, and dreamers.

The Story

We follow Flametti, the director of a tiny, struggling variety theater. He’s broke, his actors are starving, and his shows are often disasters. But Flametti has a mission: to live with the style and grace of a dandy, even if he can’t afford a proper meal. The plot is a whirlwind of his schemes—trying to charm money out of people, staging bizarre performances, and constantly running from his debts. It’s less about a single big event and more about the daily comedy and tragedy of trying to make art when reality keeps getting in the way.

Why You Should Read It

This isn’t a stuffy historical novel. Ball writes with the energy of someone who was there. You can feel the sawdust of the stage and the desperation behind the greasepaint. Flametti is a fantastic character—you laugh at his vanity, but you also understand his dream. The book captures a specific moment when old-world glamour collided with modern artistic chaos. It’s about the performance we all put on, whether we’re on a stage or just walking down the street.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love character-driven stories about artists and outsiders. If you enjoy tales of creative madness, like Moulin Rouge! or stories about charming rogues, you’ll find a friend in Flametti. It’s also a must-read if you’re curious about the wild, pre-Dadaist art scene. A short, sparkling, and strangely poignant gem.