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Conflict Arises at Theaters in Eisenach and Meiningen

Anonymous letters from theater staff in Eisenach and Meiningen severely criticize the management approach in those theaters, calling it a "cry for help." The artistic director is taken aback by the harsh criticism.

The director of the Staatstheater Meiningen, Jens Neundorff von Enzberg, stands on the edge of a...
The director of the Staatstheater Meiningen, Jens Neundorff von Enzberg, stands on the edge of a rehearsal for the play "Una Cosa Rara" on the stage of the Staatstheater.

Arts and traditions. - Conflict Arises at Theaters in Eisenach and Meiningen

Following a hurtful letter written by employees alleging poor working culture at Landestheater Eisenach and their Intendant, Jens Neundorff von Enzberg, he has finally shared his version of events. Responding to questions raised, he was surprised by the letters published over the course of Wednesday evening. According to him, he was aware of the issues highlighted in the writings. He said, "We've been discussing these problems for quite some time now. We had agreed to address the issues in a closed setting."

In an attempt to clarify these claims, Neundorff wishes to see them as internal matters to sort out. On Thursday, he had planned a meeting with the Works Council to discuss the status quo of the situation. By Friday, there was a scheduled general meeting.

Anonymous trigger

The anonymous email was drafted and also sent to the press by employees of Landestheater Eisenach. The authors referred to prior mediation attempts with the theater management, but none had resulted in any change. After lengthy consultations and careful deliberation, the letter was released as a 'public cry for help.' There were over ten employees credited for writing the letter, with support and encouragement received from their fellow colleagues.

Concretely, the authors revealed a "toxic atmosphere" at the theater that had existed for years. This included frequent workplace bullying and dishonest conduct. Neundorff's role in these events was critiqued as failing to carry out his duty: "Jens Neundorff von Enzberg is not living up to his responsibilities or the nanny's duties." In addition, it was highlighted that even though Neundorff was heavily involved in multiple artistic processes at the Eisenach administration, these weren't his areas of accountability. Neundorff, who's also the Intendant of Staatstheater Meiningen, typically travels to Eisenach once a week.

Their concern was also echoed by a separate open letter detailing his involvement with a new production at Staatstheater Meiningen. Just before the premiere, it's reported that the Intendant intervened and ordered an array of significant changes.

Neundorff acknowledged the issue on Thursday, "I feel it's not entirely about me, but rather the tone of communication. Yet, certain things need to be said, and they can't be evaded." He decided to hang up the Eisenach letter at the theater.

With roughly 80 staff members at Landestheater Eisenach and about 300 at Meiningen's Staatstheater, this incident threatens to disturb the creative and professional ecosystem.

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