Samuel Koch intends to take up directing soon.
Samuel Koch is switching roles after spending seven years at Mannheim's National Theater. In the coming summer, he'll move to Munich's Residenztheater, where he'll not only act but also receive his first directing gigs. He's undecided about his new role's direction, but he's certain of it.
Koch has joined Munich's Kammerspiele, where he's not only an actor but a potential director. Speaking at a press event for the new season, he revealed his plans to "gain my first true directing experience here." No specifics have been set, as indicated by Koch and Intendant Barbara Mundel in a statement to the German Press Agency.
The 36-year-old Koch, who's been in a wheelchair since a 2004 accident on TV's "Wetten, dass..?", will become a member of the Maximilianstraße ensemble for the upcoming season. He'll take part in the premiere of the play "Proteus 2481," slated for December 13.
Koch holds Schiller's philosophy on comedy: "Comedy is defeating tragedy." As a potential director, he's contemplating comedy. "Sometimes you can only feel dismal," he stated. "But you can also increase optimism and not just fear the future."
Munich's Attraction and Shortcomings
The move to Munich had its pros and cons for Koch. The Pros reportedly included opportunities in the city's theater scene. The Cons, however, encompassed challenges like the tight housing market, which scuppered his plans.
The Kammerspiele, previously criticized for their lack of classic theater and low attendance, eagerly anticipate higher turnout. "We'll reach the 60% mark," said Intendant Mundel. Although April typically sees lackluster audiences, this year's attendance was a respectable 65%. Mundel hopes that people will stop doubting the theater's worth.
As a potential director, Koch aims to focus on entertaining performances. He believes it's feasible "to serve both art and commerce."
