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Allegations against theater director: fear climate and authoritarian leadership style!
Examination report on allegations against theater director Föttinger: bullying, sexual harassment and desired cultural change.
Allegations against theater director: fear climate and authoritarian leadership style!
In the theater in the Josefstadt it rumbles tremendously! There are serious allegations against the long -time theater director Herbert Föttinger. Anonymous sources report on a "permanent anxiety atmosphere" and an authoritarian working atmosphere under his leadership. An investigation report created on behalf of the Board of Trustees emphasizes that there could be indications of sexual misconduct and bullying that "fundamentally meet the facts of sexual harassment". The employees addressed did not dare to against Föttinger, to whom attacking and insulting behavior was accused of raising the word, according to the critical voices.
Consequences for the theater
The report, which is based on numerous anonymous conversations with the staff, also illuminates the strong communication climate in the theater. Many employees report on attacking and aggressive handling in rehearsal operation. The board has recognized that a cultural change is necessary and is already planning measures to improve the situation, such as Small newspaper reported. The future director, Marie Rötzer, who will take over the management from the 2026/27 season, should play a central role and pay special attention to the desired changes. In addition, there will be regular reflection on how employee behavior can be regulated and incidents can be treated better in the future.
Although the reviews did not result in legal consequences, the Supervisory Board of the Theater joins an improvement in the internal climate and the management structure. The Board of Trustees has already granted the procuration for the new commercial managing director Stefan Mehrens and is responsible for agreement with future management in personnel decisions. Föttinger himself, who has been in office since 2006, had already announced a few months ago that he no longer reported any more direct work during his last months, which is now supported by the foundation board The press.