We, actresses, directors, stage, costume designers, assistants and employees from the departments of the technology and administration at the theater of the youth, would like to comment on the accusations against director Thomas Birkmeir as well as the described conditions at the theater of youth as follows:
In the many years of the directorate of Mr. Thomas Birkmeir at the Theater der Jugend, the quality of the productions and the artistic claim to acting, facilities, but also to the technical implementation, has increased enormously. Well -known directors have come to the TDJ, who also worked on large theaters – not only in Vienna. Press voices, national and international awards, as well as viewer resonance testify to this. Young actresses in particular, who come fresh from the drama school, was and will be enabled to enter the professional world at a high level.
The collaboration between directors and players, also with Mr. Birkmeir himself, takes place in a constant effort for respect and openness. This also confirms numerous fellow actors who were often only employed by the youth theater.
Nevertheless, and we do not want to deny or small, there may have been incidents through which people have been injured and treated with attack. Here it is important to be vigilant and react accordingly. Especially in end tests before premieres, due to shortness of time, stress, artistic claims, artistic claim itself and others – may have occurred and verbal misconceptions. We do not want this to be understood as an excuse or certificate for such events. But it is important to us to say that such things are not used in the theater of youth in order to deliberately humiliate or injure others.
However, we are very important to note that this cannot be made any judgment about the working atmosphere in general. Therefore, we decidedly reject that the theater of the youth had become a “system of fear and abuse of power” or “a place of control and fear” under the directorate of Thomas Birkmeir.
Rather, we would like to emphasize that we were happy to work or work with joy in the Theater der Jugend, we always look forward to encountering our colleagues, across departments, and that we feel very comfortable in this house.
Representing numerous signing current and former employees of the Theater der Jugend:
Uwe Achilles Susanne Altschul
Ensemble member freelance actress
BR Artistic TDJ through many productions
Personnel connected
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