The Australian theatre director Barrie Kosky, former head of the Komische Oper Berlin, has been awarded Germany’s Federal Cross of Merit by its Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth.

Kosky, 57, was described as an “important role model for the people in our country”.

Barrie Kosky. Photo © Jan Windszus

Kosky was among 11 other “people from cultural life” to receive the prestigious award. Among them is Mustafa Akça, the dramaturg and director of the intercultural project Selam Opera, a Komische Oper Berlin production dating back to 2011. Eva Rieger (musicologist) and Sabine Wüsthoff (choir director and music teacher) were also honoured.

“The recipients of the Federal Cross of Merit honoured today are united by their commitment to wanting to make our country, our society and our democracy better,” said Roth. “They all have the vision of bringing politics and civil society together with art and culture – and they are putting this vision into practice.” This makes the winners “important role models for the people in our country.”

Kosky was artistic director and chief director of the Komische Oper Berlin from the 2012/13 season to the 2021/22 season. Under his leadership the house received several awards, including the International Opera Award. His production of Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera for the Berliner Ensemble was one of the major productions featured in this year’s Adelaide Festival.

Dating back to 1951, the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany – also known as the Federal Cross of Merit – is the highest tribute Germany pays to individuals for services to the nation and is awarded for special achievements in political, economic, cultural and intellectual fields.