The examination of the financial conduct of the theater in der Josefstadt on the occasion of the losses in the corona-related closing time, in which, however, continued rehearsals and short-time work was waived, has been completed.
The annual loss of 2.3 million euros in the 2020/21 season is covered by the City of Vienna and the federal government. Added to this is the compensation of the previous balance sheet deficit of another 3.2 million euros. The amount of 5.5 million euros will be split 50 percent each.
This cash injection is linked to requirements and a restructuring plan. For example, the theater under director Herbert Föttinger is committed to creating a continuation forecast and analyzing the “maximum savings potential” with the aim of balanced annual results from the 2021/2022 season. An obligation to advertise management positions is also stipulated. Alternatives to the current repertoire and premier system are to be examined.
Corona “only part of the story”
“As a sponsor, we stand behind the Theater in der Josefstadt because it is an important part of the Viennese and Austrian theater landscape,” says State Secretary for Culture Andrea Mayer (Greens). At the same time it is clear that “you have to look closely at the basic structure of the theater”. The corona pandemic is only part of the story. The “one-time debt relief measure” should enable an economic restart.
Source: Nachrichten
