(Credit: Sven Helge Czichy)

Stage director Uwe Eric Laufenberg has stepped down as Intendant of the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden. He held the position for 10 years.

Hesse art minister Timon Gremmels announced Laufenberg’s departure noting, “Both sides have decided to end their joint work after almost 10 years on January 22, 2024.”

According to numerous sources, the reason for his departure is due to an internal crisis that has been simmering for some time as Laufenberg had many cultural disputes as well as disputes with the minister that he brought to the stage and resulted in the cancelation of numerous concerts and performances.

He will be succeeded by two new directors Dorothea Hartmann and Beate Heine, who are expected to commence their tenure at the start of the 2024-25 season.