Wolfgang Engel, actor, director and theater manager, died at the age of 81 in Leipzig, as reported by the Berliner Zeitung. His career began as a stagehand in Schwerin before he became artistic director in Leipzig. Engel was known for his sincere and community-oriented way of working, without ever conveying an attitude of genius.
In his last role, Engel filled the Neues Theater in Halle, playing the grandfather Etkar in Wajdi Mouawad's "The Birds". Director Matthias Brenner was touched by Engel's performance, which was given a deeper truth by his physical frailty.
Engel, who was born in Schwerin in 1943, began working at his local theater after graduating from high school and went through a fluid career from stagehand to assistant director, eventually becoming a director. During his time as a director in the GDR, he discovered talents such as Ulrich Matthes and became one of the country's most important directors.
Although Engel attracted less attention after reunification, he remained true to himself by emphasizing the relevance of theaters as political stages. His artistic work remained closely linked to the Dresden theater, even during his time as in-house director in Frankfurt am Main.
From 1994 to 2008, Engel directed the theater in Leipzig with great aplomb. He knew how to bring the theater closer to the citizens of the city and make an important cultural contribution. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his colleagues and audiences.
