Elfriede Jelinek is an Austrian playwright, novelist, and essayist, born on October 20, 1946. She is known for her unique writing style, which often combines elements of feminism, social criticism, and postmodernism. Jelinek gained international recognition when she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2004 for her work that explores themes of power, gender, and identity. Her most famous works include the novel The Piano Teacher, which delves into the complexities of desire and control, and the play Burgtheater, which critiques societal norms. Jelinek's literature often challenges traditional narratives and encourages readers to question established beliefs.