Theater in Josefstadt is in transition: Marie Rötzer is parting ways with 18 stars!

Theater in Josefstadt is in transition: Marie Rötzer is parting ways with 18 stars!

The Viennese theater landscape is facing a noticeable upheaval. Herbert Föttinger, the artistic director of the Theater in der Josefstadt, will hand over stage management to Marie Rötzer in autumn 2026. This change has profound personnel consequences. Rötzer plans to dismantle around a third of the existing ensemble, which corresponds to a separation of 18 out of a total of 48 members. Particularly affected are 16 actors whose contracts will not be renewed. New engagements are currently being negotiated for two others, as Heute reports.

This decision raises questions. Rötzer shared her thoughts in discussions with the works council and emphasized the consideration of social aspects in the reorientation of the ensemble. For many, however, it is common for a change in management in a theater to be a breath of fresh air and around a third of the workforce not being retained.

Renovation of the theater

The realignment also means that supports from the previous structure have to give way. Not only are the 16 actors affected, but also the dramaturgy team and the long-time head of communications Christiane Huemer-Strobele, who also have to vacate their positions. The change should be understood as a “paradigm shift,” as Föttinger himself puts it. He expressed incomprehension that the doyenne of the house would no longer be employed and stated that the Josefstadt will no longer exist in its current form.

A look at the future cast shows that Rötzer plans to recruit 12 new actors for the stage, while four to six positions will no longer be filled. What is particularly interesting is that four actors of retirement age, including Marianne Nentwich and Michael König, have received guest contracts in order to remain part of the artistic work.

Challenges for theater management

The obstruction of these changes reflects a general trend in theater operations. Nowadays, theater management is a complex task that not only has to manage the artistic aspects, but also increasingly has to deal with business challenges. This management includes the management, organization and control of theater operations and is obliged to find the balance between artistic demands and financial realities. Wikipedia lists some essential instruments, such as planning new performances and communication with various stakeholders.

In recent years, many theaters have been struggling with declining audience numbers, particularly among younger generations. That is why networking with politics and the implementation of democratic processes within the house are becoming increasingly important. Rötzer's approach to restructuring the ensemble could be seen as a symbolic sign of the need for an adaptation process that is based on both the needs of the audience and the economic situation.

As the future of Theater in der Josefstadt inevitably unfolds, it remains to be seen how the new structures will impact artistic identity and audience response. One thing is clear: a good hand in redesign is required in order to preserve Josefstadt for future generations.