Austria mourns the loss of theater legend Otto Schenk: A saying goodbye!

Austria mourns the loss of theater legend Otto Schenk: A saying goodbye!

Austria and the cultural scene mourn one of their greatest sons: Otto Schenk, the legendary actor, director and director, died on January 9, 2025 at the age of 94. His impressive career began in the 1950s and stretched over more than six decades in which he shaped the theater landscape not only in Vienna, but also internationally. Schenk, who was not only considered an exceptional artist, but also as a popular crowd favorite, leaves an impressive legacy that is associated with a variety of roles and productions. The Festival Directorate of the Salzburg Festival described him as the “epitome of the theater”, as reported on orf.at

a master of the stage

Otto Schenk was seen countless times on the stage of the Salzburg Festival from 1950 to 2015 and shaped it with his brilliant staging and acting performance. Especially in his role in everyone's ensemble and as a successful director, for example with his performances by Nestroy's "The Talisman" and "The Torn", he leaves lasting impressions. "With the black flag, which is blowing today at the Festspielhaus, we bow in gratitude in front of Otto Schenk's life's work and his work for the Salzburg Festival," said the directorate in an official message.

Schenk was more than a simple theater maker; The charming “Otti” was a master of stupid and at the same time a melancholic thinker. Activated until old age, he was able to give five last appearances at his family stage in the theater in Josefstadt in 2021 before completing his stage career. His influence also extended beyond the borders of Austria: he staged numerous successful productions in prestigious places such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Vienna State Opera. As a farewell, however, he always stated that "theater work and crafts", such as world.de cited.