Scandal about director RIS: Political motifs behind dismissal?

Scandal about director RIS: Political motifs behind dismissal?

In the cultural city of Senftenberg there is unrest in the theater. Daniel Ris, who has been the director of the new Senftenberg stage since 2022, will not be taken into account for a contract extension by 2027 after three years. This decision not only attracted attention in the theater landscape, but also sparked a debate about possible political influences. As reports Süddeutsche.de , the speculation about the reasons for this decision by the public and the political climate of the region.

In the last season, Ris was able to successfully lead the theater and attracted 65,000 visitors. But the reasons that led to his dismissal remain in the dark. The sponsoring city and the district of Senftenberg are about a clear statement. District Administrator Siegurd Heinze and Mayor Andreas Pfeiffer from the CDU emphasize that there are no personal motives behind the decision, but trust in this confession is questionable in view of the political structure of the region in which the AfD achieves a share of around 30 percent.

political speculation

RIS is known for his commitment to right -wing extremism and appeared at the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Cottbus. This public perception stirs up the assumption that his homosexuality and political commitment were possible factors of influence on the decision. According to taz.de there are fears that political forces could play a role.

The group of articles of the German stage association raises the voice and demands clarity in the matter. She sees this decision as a potential sign for the influence of political agendas in cultural matters. Cultural workers like the chief dramaturge Karoline Felsmann have already taken steps to apply for new positions, which indicates upcoming restructuring in the theater.

reactions from politics

Brandenburg's Minister of Culture Manja Schüle regretted the non -extension of Ris ’contract and praised his work, which further stirring. The district of Oberspreewald-Lausitz and the city of Senftenberg finance the theater together with 1.9 million euros, while the state of Brandenburg supports 3.8 million euros. These financial dimensions also raise questions about whether the investments in a region shaped by the AfD have not also been taken into account in the considerations regarding further cooperation with RIS.

The situation around Daniel Ris and the new Senftenberg stage not only throws a shadow on the theater, but also reflects the tense political conditions. It remains to be seen how it will go on, but the discussion about the independence of the culture of political influences is more current than ever.