The American Theater is Dying

A long article has emerged from my conversations with American academics, directors and, above all, playwrights such as Andrea Stolowitz in recent years and especially since 2022 about the current almost apocalyptic situation of the theater landscape in the USA. Based on research from relevant sources from the American discourse such as American Theater, The New York Times, but also from statements by several playwrights – such as Vickie Ramirez or Edward Einhorn -, a frightening picture emerges.

A large number of theaters, festivals and institutions, sometimes quite traditional pillars, in the theatrical landscape of the United States have simply vanished, while others have reduced the scope of their production so drastically that they can practically no longer be effective in the public sphere. Massive layoffs, cutbacks so severe that they threaten the existence of theatres they are meant to save, pooling of resources – there have also been severe slumps in previous crises such as 2008. However, the consequences have never been as far-reaching and comprehensive as they are now.

What are the reasons for this shocking development? How can this unprecedented misery be explained? And above all: What impact does it have on the playwrights, whose stories provide the theater with its very fuel, and who had a difficult time in the precarious theater situation in the USA as it were? Are there any prospects? The famous opportunities arising from the crisis?

All this I cover in my article. It has appeared in the February issue of Theater heute (02/2024). My thanks goes to my collaborators, and to the editors for their continued interest in my work.