The article examines the rapidly declining significance of theater in the cultural landscape of cities like Zurich and Munich. It suggests that this decline is reflected in the waning public engagement and the weakening standing of theater within cultural politics. The piece notes that the vibrancy and fervor that once characterized public discussions about theater have diminished, leading to concerns about its future in society.

The author points out that during Matthias Lilienthal's tenure at the Munich Kammerspiele, there was a high level of public engagement, with heated debates spurring letters, campaigns, and mobilizations around theatrical productions. This level of passion and interest contrasts sharply with the current atmosphere under Barbara Mundel, where public discourse regarding the theater has shifted to a state of indignation and silence amid poor attendance rates.

Moreover, the article raises alarm about the potential repercussions of this cultural decline, not only for theater practitioners but also for the broader cultural policy that may overlook or undervalue the theater's role in society. It underscores the necessity for a reevaluation of how theater institutions interact with audiences and cultural stakeholders to reverse this trend and restore significance to this vital form of artistic expression.