Comédie de Genève Removes Artistic Director Séverine Chavrier Amid Controversy
Comédie de Genève has officially dismissed its artistic director Séverine Chavrier amid growing controversy surrounding the theatre’s management and workplace environment.
The decision was announced on Friday by the Fondation d’art dramatique, which confirmed that it had ended its professional relationship with Chavrier after a majority vote by the foundation’s board.
The board meeting took place shortly after Philippe Juvet was elected as the new chairperson earlier this week, replacing Lorella Bertani, who recently resigned from the position.
Following the decision, staff members at Comédie de Genève were informed that Chavrier would no longer continue in her role as artistic director.
The dismissal comes during an ongoing controversy linked to a human resources audit involving nearly 150 employees and collaborators connected to the theatre institution.
However, the results of the audit have not yet been publicly released after Chavrier’s lawyer, Romain Jordan, secured a legal ban preventing publication through emergency judicial measures.
In a strongly worded statement, Jordan criticised the foundation and accused it of misconduct. He claimed the institution had become “dysfunctional” and alleged that the board intended to remove his client “at any cost.”
The controversy has attracted attention across Geneva’s cultural sector, with growing debate surrounding leadership, workplace management, and governance within major Swiss arts institutions.
Comédie de Genève is one of Switzerland’s most prominent theatre venues and plays an important role in Geneva’s cultural landscape.
Observers say the dispute could have long-term effects on the institution’s reputation and future artistic direction.
