Amsterdam's ITA theater cuts ties with director after investigation into his behavior

Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) is immediately ending its cooperation with Flemish director Ivo van Hove, as reported by ITA general manager Clayde Menso on Wednesday. The decision was taken "in good consultation." The ITA Supervisory Board will also resign in its entirety with immediate effect.

Van Hove has been linked to ITA since 2001. These steps were taken after two external investigations into transgressive behavior on the company's work floor. The results of the inquiry showed that ITA has not been "sufficiently safe and inclusive" for years.

The 65-year-old director was the artistic director at ITA between 2001 and 2023. Since September 2023, he has been linked to ITA as director and adviser. His contract ran up to the end of 2025. The director said that he was deeply affected by the external investigations.

His spokesperson said on Wednesday that Van Hove is "grateful" for the opportunity ITA gave him to achieve international artistic success with the team and to realize business changes, including the construction of the Rabozaal behind the well-known classical building on Leidseplein.

According to the spokesperson, the collaboration was ended "in good mutual consultation" to "make room for a next phase in the development of ITA."

ITA general manager Menso said the company needs "calm, recovery, and renovation" after the reports' publication. Van Hove's and the supervisory board's resignations provide "space for the cultural shift that the organization now needs."

As stated in the articles of association, ITA has asked the municipality of Amsterdam to form a new supervisory board as soon as possible. According to ITA, the current council members will remain available to ensure a good and smooth transfer to the new board.

The company said that the municipality of Amsterdam and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science are kept updated about the steps being taken to create a better work environment. The ITA director said that the company "is in talks" with the actors who served as whistleblowers for the two investigations.