Theater - Temporary solution after Schwerin ballet director sacked
After the surprise dismissal of Xenia Wiest, the Ballet Director of the Mecklenburg State Theater, Jonathan dos Santos is temporarily leading the ensemble. The Brazilian has been engaged as Ballet Master at the State Theater since the 2021/2022 season, as a spokesperson announced. He will take over the leadership of the Ballet Company in Schwerin for the next two seasons.
Jonathan dos Santos reportedly received his dance training in Brazil and Canada. As a choreographer, he has created pieces for the Ballet of the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, the São Paulo Dance Company, and the Gauthier Dance Company.
The Mecklenburg State Theater unexpectedly parted ways with its Ballet Director Xenia Wiest at the end of June. The reason given was intolerable behavior within the theater operations. She allegedly violated the duties of her employment contract on multiple occasions and also violated the regulations of the Companies Act. This makes a trusting collaboration between her and the management of the State Theater impossible.
- Despite the transitional solution with Jonathan dos Santos leading the Mecklenburg State Theater's Ballet Company in Schwerin due to Xenia Wiest's dismissal, her personal details, including her ejection for unacceptable behavior and breaches of her employment contract and the Companies Act, have generated significant controversy within the arts community in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
- Prior to his temporary role leading the Ballet Company at the Mecklenburg State Theater, Jonathan dos Santos honed his craft at prestigious institutions in Brazil and Canada and gained recognition as a choreographer, creating works for the Ballet of the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, the São Paulo Dance Company, and Gauthier Dance Company.
- As the State Theater in Schwerin searches for a permanent replacement for Xenia Wiest, the Theater continues to thrive under the guidance of Jonathan dos Santos, showcasing variety of performances, from classical ballet to contemporary pieces, offering an extensive cultural experience to the residents of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
