Artists withdraw from Cyprus Theatre Festival after Backlash over Jan Fabre’s Participation

Festival organisers announced Fabre would present his 1988 solo confession piece "Io soon un errore" alongside a discussion with the artist, who received an 18-month suspended prison sentence two years ago.

The controversy has impacted the festival, with one Cypriot production withdrawing and performances at specific venues being cancelled.

In response, the CITF organising committee issued a statement condemning “all forms of violence, harassment and abuse” whilst defending their invitation to Fabre as an opportunity for critical dialogue rather than an endorsement of his actions.

“We defend the importance of open dialogue, particularly when it concerns difficult and controversial issues,” the statement read. “CITF does not seek to justify or silence any condemnable acts, but to explore in depth the complex relationship between artistic creation, individual responsibility and the broader implications of ‘cancel culture’.”

The organisers added: “While we fully understand the concerns and recognise they are expressed with genuine motives, we believe the artistic scene is not a courtroom. Rather, it is a space where, traditionally, such issues are approached and discussed with honesty and critical thinking.”

CITF confirmed their commitment to open dialogue, artistic freedom and engaging with controversial issues rather than silencing them, inviting everyone “to participate and experience theatre as a thought-provoking and reflective experience.”

The festival also raised questions about how to approach an artist whose work has shaped contemporary theatre and visual arts, but whose personal actions led to legal proceedings, and whether art can be separated from the artist.

Belgian artist and choreographer Jan Fabre was convicted on April 29, 2022, by the Antwerp Criminal Court for acts of violence, harassment, and sexual assault against members of his dance company, Troubleyn. The court found that Fabre had created a hostile and humiliating work environment, abusing his position to coerce young female dancers into non-consensual acts, including unwanted sexual advances and participation in nude photoshoots lacking artistic value. He received an 18-month suspended prison sentence and was deprived of his civil rights for five years. The allegations, dating back to 2002, surfaced publicly in 2018 during the #MeToo movement, leading to a three-year investigation before the trial.

Fabre has denied the allegations, claiming his working methods were misinterpreted.

CITF noted that following his conviction, Fabre was invited to present solo exhibitions and performances in Venice, London, Rome and Athens “where his presence did not provoke any reaction.”