500 Signatories Criticize Ostertag Appointment in Open Letter to Vienna Theater

A significant outcry has emerged in Vienna following the recent decision to appoint Sara Ostertag as the new head of the Schauspielhaus Wien, effective from the 2027/28 season. This appointment is planned as a "structural partnership" with her current theater, the Theater an der Wien. The move has clearly unsettled many within the cultural community, leading to a strong show of support for the existing leadership team.

Over 500 individuals have signed an open letter addressed to Vienna's City Councillor for Cultural Affairs, Veronica Kaup-Hasler. This letter not only expresses solidarity with the current management of the Schauspielhaus but also voices strong criticism against what it terms "personal attacks and assaults" directed at Ostertag. The signatories are unequivocally demanding that "The Schauspielhaus leadership team must stay."

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Das Schauspielhaus Leitungs-Team muss bleiben.

This situation highlights a tension between artistic vision, institutional stability, and the process of leadership transition in Vienna's vibrant theater scene. The broad support for the current team suggests a deep appreciation for their work and a concern that the proposed changes could disrupt the theater's artistic trajectory. The cultural department's response and the public's engagement will be crucial in navigating this sensitive issue.

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persönliche Angriffe und Attacken