Josefstadt Theater: Föttinger's controversial leadership style under fire

Josefstadt Theater: Föttinger's controversial leadership style under fire

Herbert Föttinger, the director of the Josefstadt theater, has been the focus of criticism regarding his leadership style for years. His way of being effective and intensively involved in conversations often leads to the fact that he takes the necessary respect for personal spacer. This is reflected in the atmosphere in which employees suffer from felt.

Nevertheless, there are also voices that consider his handling as normal and appreciate the team spirit. The feeling of belonging and community is emphasized in Josefstadt, even if the theater is often neglected by cultural policy. The actors in the Josefstadt seem to weld themselves together in a kind of "family structure".

obstacles and support

The stability and closeness within the Josefstadt are often a sign against changes. Many subsequent directors have brought high fluctuation in the ensemble, but Föttinger enjoys the trust of a majority. However, critics accuse him of silence his confidants. This overall 18-year term remains of a biting aftertaste, especially after reports on "permanent anxiety atmosphere" within the theater.

Despite moral concerns, official measures have so far been unable to materialize. Although the foundation board, Thomas Drozda, commissioned an investigation after a report on the problems, are afraid that this investigation will be used to relieve Föttinger. On September 15, the ensemble published a press release in which Föttinger describes it as a passionate artist and rejects package criticism at the company. However, the ensemble representation, only active since March, has to be asked whether it actually represents the votes of all actors.

In the discussion about Föttinger's leadership style, it is another whistle, such as the lawyer Wolfgang Renzl. Renzl reported on authentic stories by those affected who complain about attacks and pressure. In particular in connection with the production “Life and Dying in Vienna”, there were worrying incidents.

results of the investigation

A preliminary report that reached the Supervisory Board in October has already confirmed some events, which further increases the unrest among the employees. It is spoken by a "sexualized behavior" at Föttinger, which is reflected in an authoritarian leadership style that affects the art in the house with fear and pressure.

The influence of Föttinger as director and in his other roles as a director and actor shows how closely our employees are connected. The separation between these roles is often blurred, which increases the potential for conflict. The processing of the incidents mentioned will be crucial in the future in order to not only give the injured employees justice, but also to ensure human dignity in theater.

The developments around Herbert Föttinger and the Josefstadt theater that lead to the current discussions are not only of business nature, but also raise important ethical questions.