Mainfranken Theater Würzburg needs a fresh start

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Mainfranken Theater Würzburg needs a fresh start
Unions GDBA, unisono and ver.di demand resignation of the artistic director

Würzburg/Hamburg/Berlin, 10.12.2024. While the German Cultural Council made an urgent appeal on 2.12.2024 to make culture accessible to people with disabilities, the reality at the Mainfranken Theater Würzburg is unfortunately quite different: The behavior of a young man with disabilities during the performance of "Ente, Tod und Tulpe" on 17.11.2024 was publicly described by the artistic director Markus Trabusch as a "massive disruption" afterwards. As a result, people with disabilities are to be offered "special performances". Markus Trabusch's behavior is unacceptable and, in our view, the proposal for "special performances" is the opposite of inclusion: a clear step towards exclusion.

Article 27(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right freely to take part in the cultural life of the community and to enjoy the arts (...)." This means that no one, not even artistic directors, may violate human rights in the name of artistic freedom. Markus Trabusch's behavior is damaging the reputation of the Mainfranken Theater and its employees as well as the city of Würzburg. A "carry on like this" is unacceptable. We therefore call on the artistic director to take personal responsibility for his actions and resign.

Even the city's politicians must not accept the theater director's exclusionary actions without comment. His behavior surrounding the performance of "Duck, Death and Tulip" is part of a long chain of accusations and scandals. It only became known this spring that a Jewish actor who was a member of the Mainfranken Theater ensemble was not protected from anti-Semitic attacks during a performance in a public space. There are also repeated complaints and grievances about the management style of the artistic director. In a recent employee survey, only 26% of respondents described his management style as appreciative.

We therefore call on the City Council and Lord Mayor Christian Schuchardt to distance themselves from Artistic Director Markus Trabusch and thus fulfill their duty of care towards their employees. Artistic work must not take place in a toxic environment. The Mainfranken Theater Würzburg is facing major challenges. A new beginning is needed for the period of refurbishment and the transition to a state theater.

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