The International Theater Amsterdam (ITA) is conducting an independent investigation into signals of “mental and physical” inappropriate behavior. That is what the ensemble says in response to actress Hélène Devos, who recently announced on Instagram that she was quitting after thirteen years. She said she did this because she “experienced and witnessed serious mental and physical abuse.”
The actress said on Instagram that she tried for years to have a conversation about the events, but was thwarted every time. According to ITA, a conversation has now taken place with Devos in response to her message and she said that she is not going to stop. At the initiative of the management, an investigation is now taking place in which the signals that Devos also mentioned will be investigated.
Devos did not explain in her message what happened to her. ITA, formerly Toneelgroep Amsterdam, says in a statement that various measures have already been taken in recent years to prevent inappropriate behavior. For example, an external confidential counselor and intimacy coordinator have been appointed. Devos has been part of the permanent ITA ensemble since 2011. At that time she starred in productions such as Kings of War, Oedipus and Queen Lear.