Separate the art from the artist? After the faecal attack, choreographer Marco Goecke was criticized. Despite the fact, his work should not be put on the table, says the ministry.
Mannheim/Stuttgart/Hanover (dpa/lsw) – The dog excrement attack by the choreographer Marco Goecke on a journalist caused a lot of criticism – but also helplessness in dealing with the artist’s work. While state parliament politicians from the CDU and FDP are calling for the end of the cooperation with Goecke, the state parliament Greens urge prudence. The National Theater Mannheim still. The Stuttgart dance company Gauthier Dance wants to hold on to him. A spokesman for the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Art on Friday condemned the attack as “not tolerable”. He must be processed under civil, criminal and labor law. The artistic value of the existing work is independent of the current act.
As ballet director of the Hanover State Opera, Goecke smeared a critic of the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” in the foyer of the opera house with dog excrement last Saturday evening at the premiere of the ballet evening “Faith – Love – Hope”. He had previously accused her of always writing “bad, personal” reviews. The State Opera announced on Thursday that Goecke’s contract as ballet director had been terminated with immediate effect and by mutual agreement.
The spokesman for the Stuttgart Ministry emphasized that politicians do not want to influence the artistic decisions of the theaters due to the freedom of art protected by the Basic Law. “We expressly support the fact that they will seek talks with Marco Goecke. We are also of the opinion that Marco Goecke’s existing choreographic work should not be put at risk because of his act.” The work was also co-created by dancers. It is part of a repertoire of companies.
Goecke is also engaged on stages in Baden-Württemberg. Since 2019 he has been working as an artist in residence at the Stuttgart dance company Gauthier Dance. A spokeswoman for Gauthier Dance, the theater company’s company, said on Monday that he would not have to fear any consequences for his engagement there.
Goecke’s choreography “Woke up Blind” is on the agenda for the dance premiere of “Young Lovers” at the Mannheim National Theater on April 15th. No decision has been made about the performance yet. “We are in the discussion and voting process,” said a theater spokeswoman on Friday when asked. The dance management of the house very much regrets the justiciable incident. Any form of violence is condemned. The “Mannheimer Morgen” had previously reported on it.
From the point of view of the CDU parliamentary group, a collaboration with the choreographer should be ended. “We consider it unacceptable that Marco Goecke continues to be supported with public funds from taxpayers in Baden-Württemberg,” writes Albrecht Schütte, a member of parliament, to Art Minister Petra Olschowski (Greens).
The cultural policy spokesman for the FDP parliamentary group, Stephen Brauer, said: “Now it’s the minister’s turn to take the appropriate steps. Anyone who abuses the most vulgar kind is unlikely to be welcome in Baden-Württemberg either.”
The cultural policy spokesman for the Greens in the state parliament, Erwin Köhler, said: “Critical press is an essential element of the basic democratic order – just like artistic freedom.” They are therefore distancing themselves from the attack, but welcome the fact that the theater is engaging in discussions to clarify the matter. Goecke is in an employment relationship with the private theater – answering any consequences in this regard is initially up to the employer.
Before joining Gauthier Dance, Goecke was also resident choreographer at the Stuttgart Ballet. According to the Ministry of Art, the theater is supported as a socio-cultural center with funds from the city and state.