The ITA announced in a statement published on its website that it was ending its collaboration with the Belgian director due to denunciations:physical and psychological violence”.
« The end of the collaboration with Ivo van Hove is unfortunate, but necessary ” explains Barbara Knoops, chairwoman of the works council of the International Theatre Amsterdam (ITA). The Belgian director has just been removed from the committee after two external investigations were opened into transgressive behaviour by Ivo van Hove. The ITA board of directors has also decided to resign collectively with immediate effect.
The two surveys, conducted by the Verinorm firm, revealed that the working environment within the ITA has not « not been sufficiently safe and inclusive » for several years. Belgian actress Hélène Davos raised the alarm. She had posted a publication on Instagram evoking “physical and psychological violence » during his years at ITA.
Nearly two thirds of the employees at the Amsterdam theatre have noticed a toxic climate. Sexual advances, verbal harassment and even physical violence are mentioned. The respondents also reported a “culture of fear”.
From Albert Camus to Richard Wagner, including Shakespeare and Molière, the director has proven himself on many stages, including Avignon and New York. He has been working with the ITA since 2001, first as artistic director until 2023, then as director and consultant since last September. His contract was to last until the end of 2025.