Hanover's State Theater Gets New Leaders for 2025/26 Season
In a major shakeup for the art scene in Hanover, Bodo Busse (54) and Vasco Boenisch (43) have been appointed as the new artistic directors for the State Opera and Schauspiel respectively. The Lower Saxony Ministry of Culture made the announcement on Monday, confirming the Supervisory Board's decision to appoint Busse and Boenisch for a five-year term starting from 2025/26.
Busse, who has been at the helm of Saarländisches Staatstheater in Saarbrücken since the 2017/18 season, takes over as the manager of the State Opera. Meanwhile, Boenisch, currently the Artistic Director and Deputy Director of Schauspielhaus Bochum in North Rhine-Westphalia, will lead the Schauspiel. With this appointment, the top management of Hanover's State Theater will once again be an all-male affair.
Laura Berman (64), who helmed the opera director position in Hanover, opted to part ways early on July 31, 2025. She sought new challenges, and her departure paves the way for Boenisch's move to Hanover's State Theater. Sonja Anders (58), Hanover's acting director, will be taking on a new role as director of Hamburg's Thalia Theater from August 1, 2025. Anders, too, had decided to end her contract prematurely.
Boenisch, born in Berlin, announced his vision for a "theater of open doors." This means welcoming diverse populations, biographies, artistic impulses, and collaborations from all over the world. It also emphasizes the importance of open and transparent collegial cooperation. Boenisch previously worked as a theater critic and cultural editor until 2014.
Lower Saxony's Culture Minister Falko Mohrs (SPD) expressed his confidence that Busse and Boenisch would continue the State Opera and Schauspiel Hanover's charismatic legacy.
Diversity in the Dance World
While the news about Hanover's State Theater focuses on the new leadership, it's worth noting that events related to dance and choreography continue to thrive. The Hannover International Choreographic Competition 39 (Germany) offers a platform for young choreographers to showcase their talent [1].
- The Hannover International Choreographic Competition 39 is an event that showcases the work of young choreographers, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and innovations in the dance world.
