The emotional and sexual exploitation by leader Misi Fazakas came to light through journalists from Átlátszó Erdély and 444.hu in a project titled “The Predator Behind the Curtain” published in June 2025. Reporters gathered numerous examples of victims who described systemic ways Fazakas exploited thetrical pedagogy as a means to abuse underage and young students, which caused them lasting psychological harm.
The trauma has caused further societal damage as in some cases the victims went on to became abusers themselves.
The investigation helped spark public discourse on this issue, with victims finally emboldened to speak out publicly — some on social media, others as invited guests on podcasts. This case received strong media coverage, with additional stories appearing both in the national Hungarian and Romanian-language press, such as Transtelex.ro, PressHub.ro and Libertatea.ro.
As a result of this immediate impact of the investigation, the police opened an inquiry into the case in Sfântu Gheorghe, in Romania. Several witnesses were already questioned by law enforcement, who also sought the testimony of journalist Árpád Kulcsár. At the time of writing, there were no criminal proceedings initiated.
The professional theatrical community has also responded to this story. Several institutional leaders publicly condemned what happened at Osonó. These include, for example, the Director of the Hungarian State Theatre of Timișoara, as well as the artistic directors of the Hungarian theatres in Miercurea Ciuc and Odorheiu Secuiesc.
Equally significant is that an intensive dialogue has begun in the professional community fostering theatre pedagogy. Discussions have surfaced the absence of safety measures designed to prevent abuse and the sometimes authoritarian practices of artistic creation which can prevail. For example, at a theatre festival in Szeklerland, a renowned playwright, an editor, and an artistic director held a public discussion on the subject.
According to Zoltán Sipos, Editor-in-Chief and Manager of Átlátszó Erdély, “these developments demonstrate both the direct and indirect impact of our work.”
On the right: Image by Benedek Levente.
