Fight for sponsors: Gerhart Hauptmann Theater facing financial crisis!

Fight for sponsors: Gerhart Hauptmann Theater facing financial crisis!

In September, Daniel Morgenroth, the director of the Gerhart-Hauptmann-Theater Görlitz-Zittau, caused a stir when he put his theater's naming rights up for sale. The idea of ​​naming the theater after a sponsor is unique in Germany and is intended to help fill the chronically underfunded coffers of Saxon theaters. But finding a suitable sponsor is extremely difficult. Morgenroth reports that so far there are only two interested parties - a private individual and an organization - but they do not offer the financial framework that was hoped for.

The reactions from the audience are mixed. While some support the idea, there is also strong criticism. Many visitors fear that a commercial name could damage the theater's artistic reputation. “The fear of a ‘Coca-Cola Theater’ is great,” explains Morgenroth. He acknowledges the concerns, but points out that sponsorship has long been common practice in the art world. “The name Gerhart Hauptmann is a last sacrum that you are not allowed to touch,” continues Morgenroth, who emphasizes that a sponsor would have no influence on the theater’s artistic decisions.

Financial worries and awards

Despite the challenges, there is also positive news: the theater was nominated for the German Theater Prize “Der Faust”. But Morgenroth makes it clear that such awards cannot solve the financial problems. “Fame and honor come with it, but not money,” he says and warns of the impending insolvency of many municipally run theaters and orchestras in Saxony. The financial situation is tense and the hope of finding a sponsor is dwindling. “I don’t think we will find a sponsor who will close the financial gap,” concludes Morgenroth and appeals to the public sector to adequately finance the theaters.