Stathis Livathinos resigns from National Drama School
Respected stage director and actor Stathis Livathinos has resigned from the Drama School of the Greek National Theater, citing irreconcilable differences with students.
“I apologize again if I have hurt some of you – any strictness from my part hid nothing more than care and concern that you are properly equipped to face a future in the theater,” Livathinos, who has vehemently denied the allegations of verbal abuse, said in his letter of resignation.
In an announcement, the National Theater said that the complaints against Livathinos were aired during a teleconference of school faculty and students held on February 6. Despite indications that bridges could be mended after that meeting, however, students since refused to attend the director’s classes, leading to Tuesday’s final rift.
The National Theater is already reeling from the serious charges brought against its last and now former artistic director, Dimitris Lignadis, who stands accused of raping two boys.
The allegations have heralded a period of introspection at the state-run organization, which is calling on potential victims who have suffered any form of abuse at the hands of any of its members to come forward.
