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Through the Minefield: Taking a Position as Theatre

Joint exploration of the tensions between artistic freedom, institutional responsibility and political realities

In an increasingly polarised society, theaters and programmers are moving through a complex ethical landscape. This session explores the tensions between artistic freedom, institutional responsibility and political realities – and the consequences of acting or remaining silent.

Together, we explore how cultural institutions respond to backlash, intimidation and political pressure, and how those responses affect the safety and integrity of artists, staff and visitors. Using pressing examples, a picture emerges of how institutions balance between their programming and social responsibilities. What happens when programmers drop artists under pressure? Should a stage take a political stand? What are the consequences of remaining silent?

Through conversation with experts by experience, with practical examples and through exchange with colleagues, this session offers a helping hand to theater professionals who want to hold their ground in the minefield of social pressure and controversy – without losing sight of their artistic mission or values.

Panel guests:
Jeroen Bartelse (general manager TivoliVredenburg)
Rutger Gernant (general manager/director festival Noorderzon)
Mirte Hartland (programme coordinator Theater Bellevue)
Eve Hopkins (artistic director/director Theater Bellevue)
Jolanda Spoel (director Bijlmer Parktheater)