Yale Drama School Dean James Bundy began a four-six week sabbatical from Yale Friday during which he will undergo open heart surgery to treat a Mitral valve regurgitation.

The Rep’s senior associate Director of Communications Steven Padla said the surgery was originally scheduled to take place on Monday, March 21 but was postponed a week due to the surgeon’s illness. Bundy had previously undergone open heart surgery in 2006 in which his infected aortic valve was replaced.

In Bundy’s absence, Deputy Dean of the School of Drama and Managing Director of the Yale Rep Victoria Nolan and Associate Artistic Director of the Rep Jennifer Kiger will assume his responsibilities.

Bundy was appointed last month to a third term as Dean of the Yale School of Drama and Artistic Director of the Yale Repertory Theatre.