Vienna mourns for Elisabeth Orth: A figure of light leaves us

Vienna mourns for Elisabeth Orth: A figure of light leaves us

On May 18, 2025, the theater world reached the sad news of the death of the exception actress Elisabeth Orth, who was born in Vienna and was a formative figure of the German-language stage landscape for a long time. Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig commented on the loss with "great dismay" and described Orth as a "light form of acting". Her work not only touched the stages, but also the hearts of the people. He expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved, which underlines the widespread awe in front of her life's work.

born in 1936 as the daughter of the legendary actor Paula Wessely and Attila Hörbiger, Orth initially started her career as a film cutter. After visiting the Max Reinhardt Seminar, she became a festival member of the Burgtheater in 1968, where she worked with great directors such as George Tabori and Andrea Breth. Orth was also active in film and television and received numerous awards, including the Golden Honor of Honor for Services around the State of Vienna in 2006.

an outstanding commitment

In addition to her acting talent, Elisabeth Orth actively campaigned against anti -Semitism and xenophobia, an attitude that she shares with her son Cornelius Obonya. Her political attitude was reflected in her art, which always opened a dialogue on social issues. This illustrates the importance of their work beyond the stage.

Orth was often honored for her commitment and art. In 2014 she was an honorary member of the Burgtheater and in February 2015 appointed the house of the house after Annemarie Düringer died. The Burgtheater honors your heir with the Elisabeth Prize named after it, which recognizes outstanding achievements in acting.

controversies and cultural reflections

Recently, the discussion about anti -Semitism has increased significantly, which also influenced the cultural landscape in which Orth worked. Wajdi Mouawad's play "Birds" is currently being discussed controversially in the German theater scene after it was discontinued in November 2022 at the Munich metropolitan theater. Critics complain that the piece of simple stereotypical operations and historical inaccuracies, especially with regard to the Middle East conflict.

The examination of such topics shows how important it is that artists like Orth raise a voice for justice and humanity. Your life's work remains an inspiration for future people who dare to negotiate difficult topics in their art.

Elisabeth Orth left traces that extend far beyond the theater. Your memory remains alive in the heart of the theater world.