Volksbühne director Klaus Dörr resigns amid sexual harassment investigation

Klaus Dörr has stepped down as director of Berlin's Volksbühne theatre following sexual harassment allegations. Ten women accused Dörr of creating a hostile work environment through inappropriate staring, misogynist comments, and unwelcome messages. The German daily Die Tageszeitung published these claims over the weekend. Berlin's culture ministry is now investigating the allegations. Dörr issued a statement accepting full responsibility and expressing regret for any harm caused to employees. The Volksbühne, renowned for experimental work, has experienced significant instability in recent years. Previous director Chris Dercon left in 2018 after just six months amid protests against his appointment. Critics argued Dercon's hiring represented a gentrification of the theatre's radical mission, with petitions and open letters demanding his resignation. In 2017, feces was left outside Dercon's home during the controversy.