10 women have accused the Berlin theatre head of fostering a hostile work environment
Berlin’s troubled Volksbühne theatre faced more disquiet this week, after its director resigned following allegations of sexual harassment. The claims by 10 women against director Klaus Dörr appeared in the German daily Die Tageszeitung over the weekend.
The report said that the claims were now being investigated by the city’s culture ministry. Allegations against Dörr include claims that he stared inappropriately at theatre staff, made misogynist comments and wrote inappropriate messages.
‘I take full responsibility, as the artistic director of the Volksbühne, for the allegations made against me,’ Dörr said in a statement. ‘I deeply regret if I have hurt employees with my behaviour, words or gaze’.
The storied institution – known for its celebration of experimental work – has faced much turbulence in recent years. Previous director Chris Dercon departed in 2018 – with less than six months in the role – following protests against his appointment. Several open letters and petitions demanded Dercon’s resignation, alleging that his appointment represented a gentrification of the Volksbühne’s radical mission. In 2017, faeces was even left outside the door to his home.
