TNB Suspends Tartuffe Rehearsals
Rehearsals for Molière’s “Tartuffe” at the National Theatre Bucharest have been suspended following widespread outcry over the hiring of director Felix Alexa, Ziare.com reported.
The National Theatre Bucharest announced the halt on Tuesday as a measure to organize activities while management seeks a professional solution for the project. The production had faced intense scrutiny after artists protested the involvement of a director previously accused of professional blackmail and harassment.
Culture Ministry Demands Clarifications
Culture Ministry leadership met with TNB manager Ada Lupu Hausvater to demand explanations regarding the turmoil inside the institution, Agerpres reported. The ministry stated that while it does not interfere in individual employment contracts, it holds a responsibility to ensure a safe professional environment built on mutual respect and equal opportunities.
At the same time, the ministry launched checks across all subordinate cultural institutions to verify how workplaces apply rules preventing moral and sexual harassment under Government Decision no. 970/2023, according to Ziare.com. The ministry also established a dedicated email address at [email protected] for employees facing harassment, Digi24 reported.
UNITER Intervenes in Institutional Crisis
The Romanian Theatre Union issued a statement condemning all forms of abuse, intimidation, and blackmail within the theatrical community, Digi24 reported. UNITER maintained that artistic prestige and professional authority can never justify abusive behavior.
UNITER noted that allegations originating from a 2022 RISE Project investigation involving former students must be listened to with respect and analyzed through fair procedures, Digi24 reported. The organization stressed that managing institutions requires ethical foundations and permanent responsibility for a safe professional environment.
Management Defends Hiring Decision
Manager Ada Lupu Hausvater publicly assumed full responsibility for bringing Felix Alexa on board for a fixed term during the current season, Agerpres reported. The theater’s management stated that the decision followed consultations with the consultative artistic council and a unanimous vote by the administrative council.
Hausvater pointed out that a UNATC ethics commission found no code violations regarding Alexa in 2022, and that the director does not appear in the sexual offender registry, according to HotNews. Într-o scrisoare publicată de Cultura la dubă, Felix Alexa a respins acuzațiile ca fiind minciuni și a anunțat că a dat în judecată persoane care l-au defăimat, cerând daune regizoarei Iulia Grigoriu.
Actors Clash Over Director Association
Actor Mihai Călin publicly opposed the hiring, stating that he witnessed Alexa exhibit emotionally abusive behavior toward colleagues and technical staff during past rehearsals, HotNews reported. Călin joined over 50 cultural professionals in signing a petition to the Minister of Culture requesting a reevaluation of the appointment.
Conversely, actor Marius Bodochi, who is currently cast in “Tartuffe” under Alexa’s direction, described the company as spectators to an ongoing scandal separate from their daily work, HotNews reported.
Resignations Hit National Theatre
Actor Conrad Mericoffer resigned from the National Theatre Bucharest in protest over the hiring decision, telling HotNews that he prefers working a different job than existing in a climate of resignation, Ziare.com reported.
Questions About the National Theatre Bucharest Rehearsal Suspension
Why did the National Theatre Bucharest suspend rehearsals?
Management halted work on “Tartuffe” as an organizational measure to address the institutional crisis and identify a suitable professional path forward following public protests, Ziare.com reported.
What specific allegations target director Felix Alexa?
The director faces accusations of emotional abuse, professional blackmail, and harassment originating from a 2022 RISE Project investigation that included statements from former students, according to Digi24.
How has the Ministry of Culture responded to the situation?
The ministry met with TNB manager Ada Lupu Hausvater to request clarifications and initiated checks across all subordinate cultural institutions regarding anti-harassment regulations, Agerpres reported.
Which actors left the theater over the controversy?
Conrad Mericoffer resigned from the National Theatre Bucharest in protest against the appointment, according to Ziare.com.
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