Students at the Max Reinhardt Seminar sought the resignation of the institute's director, Maria Happel, and her deputy, Annett Matzke, in a letter.
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| Maria Happel |
According to a "Der Standard" article, students decry a system of "abuse of power, nepotism, and ignorance" and express concern about the quality and relevance of education. The four-page declaration is claimed to have been signed by more than two-thirds of the student population.
The students express their dissatisfaction with their institute to Ulrike Sych, Rector of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), and want assistance. Since allegations of harassment and power abuse were made public a year ago, the institute's management has made no attempt to clarify the situation.
Other charges are included in the letter. Role-playing lessons, for example, should continue to take place in unprotected rooms outside the institution. In one-on-one chats, Matzke is alleged to have made fellow students weep, while Happel, who also directs the Reichenau Festival and is a member of the Burgtheater ensemble, is reported to have yelled at a heavily pregnant employee in front of others.
The undersigned want an open and serious replacement in collaboration with the students. The mdw initially did not have a statement ready in response to an APA request. The mdw rectorate told the "Standard" that they now want to consult with students before taking a stance on the letter. However, under Sych, initiatives on "gender, diversity, and anti-discrimination" were implemented.