The importance of I.D.I.
In November 2019, I participated in a workshop from Intimacy Directors International UK (I.D.I. UK) about the importance of creating a safe environment for performers, creatives and technical teams involved within the Arts.
I.D.I. UK supports the growing need within the industry for intimacy direction/coordination, this developed from the viral #MeToo Movement that came into the light in 2006. A vital conversation began, one of support and survivors stories all centred around sexual violence. Within 6 months this conversation went viral and it began to “de-stigmatise the act of surviving by highlighting the breadth and impact of a sexual violence worldwide” (Me Too, 2018). They made the promise that, together we can strengthen each other to power the global movement to disrupt sexual violence.
Theatre is an particularly intimate art form, which often leads actors and creatives to explore different levels of emotion, physicality and character on stage and in the rehearsal room. In the past emotional and physical lines have been blurred between not only actor and character but also between actor and director. It has become paramount to differentiate these roles, meaning is it not appropriate for directors to demonstrate actions such as kisses with actors. At all times the actors should be safeguarded from exposing and harmful situations.
Intimacy Directors International UK, works to safeguard actors in the industry when performing or creating moments of intimacy. They strongly recommend that actors do not choreograph their own moments of intimacy because this outdated practice may lead to assault or harassment if they are handled incorrectly. I.D.I UK has defined intimacy as as any moment which portrays:
1. Intimate physical contact – this may include, but not restricted to:
- Kissing and intimate touch
- Creating chemistry and attraction
- Intimacy between parents and children
- Intimacy between friends
- Portrayal of sexual actions
- Portrayal of traumatic events which involve intimacy
- Portrayal of sexual violence
2. Non-contact based Intimacy – can include moments of tension between characters, attraction, chemistry or intimacy where no contact exists such as nudity
My Reflections
The workshop led by Enric Ortuno had a large amount of impact on my practice, I began to think deeper into how different types of intimate relationships can be shown. Naively. I had not thought about the intimacy between families and/or friends as well as lovers. This was an aspect of the workshop that began to influence my practice the most.
Within my Independent Practice as Research Project, I directed a performance about female friendships, I used the activities Enric had taught us with my cast. These activities were introduced because the cast had to portray characters that had long lasting friendships, therefore it would be normal for these women to show meaningful gestures to each other such as a hug. We used an activity called ‘Can I..?’, where the cast asked each other if they could do an action with their partner e.g. “Can I hug you with my arms around your waist?”. This allowed the cast to work out any potential barriers they have without disclosing them to other cast members. Using the Pillars of Safe Intimacy, this activity also gave the cast the power to say “no”. If an action broke on of their boundaries they were within their right to suggest an alternative action.
By following the Pillars of Safe Intimacy I safeguarded the cast from harm throughout the whole process. I kept the pillars at the forefront of my mind when directing the cast, especially in moments of intimacy. Therefore these moments were still effective but more importantly did not cross any boundaries.
Moving forward I wish to engage in more of I.D.I UK’s workshops and courses. I have specifically researched their accreditation program and wish to complete this once it is open again. This would be beneficial to ensure that as a director, I can always safeguard the cast that I am working with. Furthermore, I feel that it is time to recognise the treatment of actors, specifically women, within the #metoo movement and change this forever. As a female theatre maker, director and actor it is time to take the power and make a change.
Bibliography
Me Too Movement. 2020. About – Me Too Movement. [Internet] Available at: <https://metoomvmt.org/about/#history> [Accessed 31st March 2020].
Teamidi-uk.org. 2020. Intimacy Directors International UK. [Internet] Available at: <https://www.teamidi-uk.org/> [Accessed 31 March 2020].