The Erfurt Theatre will have an interim artistic director: Christian Illgen is slated to take over the position on August 1, 2026, the city of Erfurt announced on Thursday. The 47-year-old will succeed Malte Wasem, whose contract expires at the end of the current season. The designated artistic director has already presented himself to the relevant committees. Only the approval of the city council is now required.

Christian Illgen

Born in Freiberg, Saxony, in 1978, Illgen most recently worked at the Cottbus State Theatre, where he served for many years as Artistic Director and also held positions as Deputy Artistic Director and Administrative Director. In Erfurt, he is slated to lead the theatre until summer 2028 and simultaneously oversee the transition to a future Artistic Director. The job posting was published a few days ago.

"The Theater Erfurt has a magnificent music theater ensemble, a wonderful opera chorus, and a sonorous philharmonic orchestra," said the designated artistic director. He is very much looking forward to the collaborative artistic work with everyone involved, both on and off stage, over the next two years. The relationship between the theater and its audience holds a special significance in Erfurt. "The theater's transformation process and the reintroduction of the drama department send strong signals from the city of Erfurt and demonstrate, especially in times of political and social crisis, how important art is and how indispensable the exchange about it is," Illgen emphasized.

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