Faces on Campus

Heine-Steiner

It was a surreal scene. He  played his guitar and harmonica in the theater's custodian closet, oblivious to  the cleaning supplies and toilet paper all around him.  His friends call him Heine-Steiner, a combination of his middle and last name. He is a custodian in the University Theatre.

Heine-Steiner was born in Germany, and has lived in many countries including Austria, France, Switzerland, Portugal and Southern Brazil.  He came to the United States in 1983, a few years after marrying an American woman. Heine-Steiner has lived here ever since and said he plans to stay.

"They make me feel so welcome," he said, referring to Americans, and especially CSULB students and faculty in the theatre arts department.  "I am too old to move."

At 51, he is not too old, however, to record a CD. Heine-Steiner is currently working on one that may be titled "Art Beyond Limitations."  He said he is still working on the title. Some of the songs include "Celestial Lady," "For the Love of My Friends," "Life Sucks," "The Last Pages of My Book" and "Only For Tonight."

Heine-Steiner said he brings his guitar to work with him every day so he will have it when he gets inspired. "I compose in my break time," he said. "I compose all of the time."

"They are all my friends," he said of the people in the theater.  "My life in the theater is like a vacation every day because I like the people. They understand my art."