Theater crisis in Senftenberg: Director Daniel Ris is under pressure!

Theater crisis in Senftenberg: Director Daniel Ris is under pressure!

The decision to non -extension of Daniel Ris's contract as director of the new Senftenberg stage currently provides large waves in Brandenburg. On July 7, 2025, there was a wide range of solidarity by director of the region, which reacted to this message with strangers. In a press release that was published on [Nachtkritik.de] (https://nachtkritik.de/mistungungen/senftenberg-brandenburg-heater-solidarization ,-mit-Daniel-ris), it becomes clear how important trust in cultural policy processes is and that the protection of the Senftenberg theater location should have a top priority.

Daniel Ris has left a lasting impression not only at the press with record loads and consistently positive response not only at the press. However, the exact reason for the decision to not extend it remains in the dark, which prompted the director in Brandenburg to request a transparent explanation, as in an article [lr-online.de] (https://www.lr-online.de/nachrichten/kultur/theater-in-senberg-brandenburg--theaterchefs- Unterstuetzen-intantant-daniel-ris-78169885.html). The German stage association has already reacted to the situation and pronounced that the reports have led to significant irritation.

political influences in the cultural sector?

In the past few days, speculation about political influence has always become loud, especially with regard to the AfD. The German stage association emphasizes that a theater -public program should not be under political direction, which increases the prevailing concerns. Political influence could be a not inconsiderable factor in the decision that concerns Daniel Ris. Requirements for a clear attitude and a fair procedure are loud.

The topic is also dealt with on the homepage of the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district. Neither District Administrator Siegurd Heinze nor Mayor Andreas Pfeiffer have publicly explained the reasons for the decision. The uncertainty about the background contributes to the unrest in the cultural sector.

The role of cultural promotion

cultural promotion in Germany is basically perceived by the federal states and is therefore a sensitive topic. According to [ndr.de] (https://www.ndr.de/kulturfoerung-stabitensankitsanker-oder-politic-influencing. The current events arouse concern that cultural policy could be politicized. CDU and AfD have already commented on Federal Culture Promotion, while the SPD demands more support for cultural institutions.

Overall, it can be seen that the decision about Daniel Ris is another example of the complex entanglements between culture, politics and public perception. The voices that work for a transparent and fair cultural policy are louder and the developments in Senftenberg are likely to be observed in the future.