The Enduring, Stubborn Era of Herbert Föttinger at Josefstadt Concludes

The curtain is falling on a significant era at Vienna's Theater in der Josefstadt as director Herbert Föttinger concludes his twenty-year tenure. While the theater has undoubtedly enjoyed considerable financial success under his stewardship, the artistic landscape has seen more incremental progress. Föttinger, who has been associated with the ensemble since 1993 and at the helm since 2006, is preparing to step down, leaving behind a legacy of economic stability but perhaps not groundbreaking artistic innovation.

In his final season, the 64-year-old director, who is also an accomplished actor, has granted himself two notable roles. He will portray the bitter theater maker Bruscon in Thomas Bernhard's play and the misunderstood Da Ponte in Peter Turrini's "What a beautiful end." These roles reflect a career that has always intertwined the administrative with the performative, allowing Föttinger the "fool's freedom" often afforded to actors, even in his directorial capacity.

From the perspective of DER STANDARD, an Austrian publication, Föttinger's era represents a unique chapter in Viennese theater. The blend of economic pragmatism and artistic endeavor, coupled with Föttinger's own presence on stage, offers a distinct flavor to his directorship. As he departs, the theater faces the challenge of building upon his financial successes while potentially seeking new artistic directions, a common transition for cultural institutions at the end of a long-serving leader's tenure.