Bucharest National Theatre hires director accused of sexual harassment, sparking artist revolt

Felix Alexa was hired by the Bucharest National Theatre in October under a fixed-term contract for the current season. The decision was made by theatre director Ada Lupu Hausvater and discussed and agreed upon by the TNB Artistic Council. Hausvater stated the appointment was not an arbitrary or unilateral measure but was based on professional considerations. She cited a 2022 decision by the UNATC Ethics Commission that did not identify violations of the ethics code, along with a behavioral integrity certificate from the Romanian General Police Inspectorate confirming Alexa is not on the national automated register of persons who committed offenses.

Actor Conrad Mericoffer has already announced his resignation, according to Scena9. Dozens of critical and outraged reactions continue to circulate on social media platforms. Many artists have begun to revolt in the public space following the appointment despite investigations revealing abusive behavior by the director.

“Make the necessary step back! (…) until you prove that the accusations are unfounded.”

Honorary director Andrei Șerban has publicly called for Felix Alexa to resign. In an open letter published by Cultura la dubă, Șerban urged Alexa to step back until he proves the allegations are unfounded. Șerban, who invited Alexa to debut at the National Theatre in the early 1990s, said he wants to protect the institution's image.

Șerban warned that the reverberations are becoming increasingly harmful to the theatre community. He said camps are forming within the profession and outside it, and audiences are taking positions and threatening to boycott the TNB. He described the situation as extremely harmful and radically contrary to the spirit that should be cultivated in theatre.

The presumption of innocence must prevail whenever accusations are made, according to Șerban, but such accusations must be supported by evidence. He also noted the obligation of the person benefiting from that presumption. The controversy continues as artists react and the theatre faces potential boycotts.