Local theater in Erfurt establishes an acting division of its own
The city of Erfurt is set to witness a new chapter in its cultural landscape, as the Erfurt city council has made a momentous decision to reintroduce an acting department at Theater Erfurt after a 19-year hiatus. This decision marks a significant step towards realigning the scandal-plagued theater, according to Steffen Linnert, the responsible mayor.
Stefan Schade, chairman of the Works Committee of the Theater Erfurt, expressed hope that this move will lay the foundation for artistic development and economic stability of the house. The new management for Theater Erfurt, starting in 2025, will consist of a dual leadership with a commercial director and an artistic director. The new artistic director is expected to assume office in 2027, but the specific name has not yet been announced as the application process is still underway.
The commercial management at Theater Erfurt will no longer be subordinate to the artistic management, but will be on an equal footing. A tender will be held this year to appoint the new commercial management. This change aims to ensure internal rules and a good working atmosphere at the theater.
Theater Erfurt aims to present classical theater, operas, and concerts in the future. However, the theater will not receive additional funding for the renovation and will therefore have to reorganize. The long renovation period, primarily caused by financing issues, is expected to result in the new acting department being established between 2030 and 2035.
The decision for the new acting department was made by the Erfurt city council on Wednesday evening. Initially, Theater Erfurt had planned to cooperate with the German National Theater in Weimar for acting, but this never materialized.
The long-standing director of Theater Erfurt, Guy Montavon, was dismissed due to allegations of abuse of power. Angela Klepp-Pallas, who was suspended following the theater scandal, has agreed to a settlement with the city council in Erfurt, receiving a new position and a five-figure severance payment.
Steffen Linnert stated that the new acting department at Theater Erfurt is a sign of a promising future for the theater in Erfurt. The future of Theater Erfurt is being shaped collaboratively with the people of Erfurt, according to Linnert. The new management at Theater Erfurt is expected to take up their post in 2027, succeeding Malte Wasem as interim manager.
