House rules

German theatres and orchestras provide fundamental artistic impulses and are therefore not only preservers of artistic freedom, but also a catalyst for social development. Based on this understanding, the cultural institutions united in the Stage Association have developed a value-based code of conduct for the prevention of sexual assault and abuse of power and adopted it at the Annual general meeting on 8 June 2018. This is intended to initiate a process of understanding and a progressive approach by all employees in the theatres and orchestras. The code of conduct was initially adopted in full by GRIPS Theater. In the course of the discussion about the protection of all those involved from racist statements and attacks as well as an anti-racism clause in contracts, GRIPS Theater has expanded its own value-based code of conduct to include this aspect and other forms of discrimination.

As GRIPS Theater we have common values. We show attitude and encourage one another to prevent any form of abuse or discrimination. Equal opportunities, gender equality and non-discrimination (anchored in § 12 para. 2 General Equal Treatment Act) are elementary for us. We face the challenge of depicting and living the diversity of our society in our company. Internally, we show each other respect and appreciation. We ensure partnership-based cooperation in the companies and social interaction with the will to address and resolve conflicts openly. We strive for clear and trustworthy communication at all levels of our company.

Sexual harassment

The basic characteristic of harassment is crossing a line that another person experiences against his will. Processes that were not intended can also be perceived as harassment It is therefore not appropriate to go beyond the personal sphere of others, among other things by:

• the forcing of sexual acts (also trying to) by means of violence or threats of violence
• direct/indirect threat of disadvantage for refusing advances
• promise of benefits for sexual concessions
• showing or disseminating pornography
• suggestive and sexualised comments, jokes and gestures
• derogatory remarks about the body, sexuality, or sexual orientation of others
• physical contact that is not consensual
• desire for sexual attention.

Racist acts

Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, skin colour, descent, national origin or ethnicity, which aims or results in an equal recognition, enjoyment or exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms in political, economic, social, cultural or any other area of public life is thwarted or impaired.

A statement within the meaning of this code of conduct is considered racist if the person concerned feels discriminated or offended by it and a reference can be made between the statement and the definition mentioned.

We recognise that racism is not only reflected in explicit statements and actions, but is also anchored in social structures and acts in the subconscious – factors that influence each other. Representations of these structures in the theatre are also rated as racist.

Dealing with people with disabilities

Ableism is the unjustified unequal treatment (“discrimination”) due to a physical or psychological impairment or because of learning difficulties. It is an “ableism” when a person is judged on the basis of a certain, often externally perceptible quality or ability – his or her “handicap”.

Based on the values listed above, we are committed to binding rules of conduct for all employees in our companies, regardless of their position:

• I make a distinction between what is allowed inside and outside the artistic work and do not abuse this freedom of art.
• I am respectful of everyone, regardless of gender, age, religion, disability, origin and sexual orientation.
• I refrain from any form of sexual harassment, racist, homophobic, ableist or other discrimination.
• I refrain from violations in gestural, linguistic and physical form.
• I handle the authority that has been given to me responsibly.
• I am aware that my behaviour may have a different effect on my counterpart than intended. I deal with it empathically and responsibly.
• I communicate unambiguously and clearly.
• I address conflicts openly and try to resolve them fairly.
• I actively intervene when I witness assaults, abuse of power and inappropriate behaviour of any kind, and address inappropriate behaviour directly.

Based on this self-image and as an employer, we have a responsibility to protect our employees and artists actively from sexual harassment, racist attacks and statements as well as other forms of discrimination and abuse of power in the workplace. In this context, the management and the management level of the theatre have special duties of care regarding the employees. This is what the theatre and its management face. We see it as our task to use this value-based code of conduct to ensure a non-discriminatory and fear-free working atmosphere.

Overcoming sexual harassment, racist attacks, discrimination and abuse of power is a task for society as a whole that requires a change in culture. As GRIPS Theater, we ensure that awareness of these issues is raised in the workplace. To implement the values stipulated here, accompanying measures such as training and education are carried out.

In the event of suspected sexual harassment or sexual abuse, racist statements or assaults or other forms of discrimination, we undertake to take all necessary measures to inform and protect the persons concerned. As the management of the theatre, we will, together with the person concerned and the works council, carry out one of the following measures that appear most suitable to deal with the causal anchoring of the incident by GRIPS Theater at its own expense:

• mediation with those involved in the incident
• an empowerment measure for the affected person(s)
• a workshop or a training course or any other comparable measure with several employees of the theatre, which contributes to the education about racist structures and racist choice of words
• a longer-term organisational development measure.

The contact person at GRIPS Theater in the event of suspected sexual harassment, racist assault, discrimination and abuse of power, both against permanent and freelance employees and against viewers and participants, is the works council.

Contact: betriebsrat[at]grips-theater.de

In addition, those affected by sexual assault can contact the Stage Association’s inter-company confidentiality office. Contact: themis-vertrauensstelle.de

Those affected by racist attacks and discrimination can contact the State Office for Equal Treatment – Against Discrimination. Contact: berlin.de/sen/lads/