New wind in the Josefstadt theater: Rötzer plans radical changes!

New wind in the Josefstadt theater: Rötzer plans radical changes!

Josefstadt, Österreich - The Vienna Theater Landscape is facing a significant change. In the theater in the Josefstadt, Marie Rötzer will take over the artistic direction after Herbert Föttinger has so far swung the scepter. The transfer of the directorate is planned for mid -2026. But that's not the only change that is approaching the stage.

Rötzer has already made up for a lot. It will replace around a third of the existing ensemble, which means that 18 out of 48 actresses will probably not be continued. She has announced that there are still 16 jobs, while negotiations are still underway in two other contracts. On the other hand, it is positive that 28 artists: inside the current ensemble should remain and that 12 new talents will also be added in the coming season. These measures are part of a larger restructuring, which was necessary, among other things, by earlier reforms and a drastic reduction in the performances-from 800 to 550 per year, as MeinDezirkt reports.

resources and challenges

The persistent inflation also makes it necessary to reorganize personnel bodies. The theater in the Josefstadt thus faces challenges that are also typical for many other stages in Austria. The decline in public subsidies and increasing costs make it difficult to maintain balanced financial management, which also heats up the public discussion about the support of cultural workers. The Wiener Nachrichten pointed out that the cultural expenditure for public theater is over 50 %, while free theater only preserved modest 5-15 %.

In the industry, the exchange and networking of the venues is also of great importance. Theater management plays a central role here in order to take into account artistic and business aspects equally. Different management facilities, such as the personalized (directorate) or team -oriented (directorate), are significantly influenced by the design scope for the development of theater programs, as already described in the Wikipedia.

opinions and views

Föttinger, the current director, expressed his lack of understanding of the non-extension of long-time dramaturge Christiane Huemer-Strobele, but accepts the need for restructuring. However, Rötzer is certain that the theater in the Josefstadt will remain an unmistakable acting theater under her direction, which will develop in a contemporary way and inspires the audience.

The coming months until the responsibility is handed over are crucial for the artistic vision of Rötzer's, which not only has to deal with the challenges of the company, but also with a clear idea of ​​the future direction of the theater. The focus will now be on how the ensemble and the entire house will develop in this transition period.