The board of the Gate Theatre has issued a statement in response to an open statement signed by 72 women working in theatre, which expressed concern about an independent review it commissioned into complaints and allegations of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power by its former director. This is the full statement:
Statement from the Board of the Gate Theatre
"In November 2017, the Board of the Gate Theatre appointed Gaye Cunningham to conduct an independent review and deal in a confidential but transparent manner with any complaints and allegations in relation to inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power by the former Director of the Gate Theatre.
The Gate moved to respond to the allegations raised and, from the start, saw it as our responsibility to deal with the specific issues arising as sensitively, professionally and proactively as possible. Our principal objective is to ensure that the Gate is a safe and supportive environment for practitioners to work, operating to the highest standards.
Ms. Cunningham has been given complete and total autonomy to undertake this review. She is working with independent counsel to ensure that the process fully respects the confidentiality of individual participants.
It is important to note that all stakeholders have acknowledged total confidence in her capabilities and impartiality. As an organisation we remain committed to this process, with particular respect for the people who have so far engaged with Ms. Cunningham and will want to see the process followed through to completion.
Ms. Cunningham will have full and final editorial control of the output and we intend to be open about its findings and act on the recommendations outlined. As part of her work Ms Cunningham will provide oversight as to the impartiality of how the report and its recommendations are handled.
We would therefore ask the signatories of the statement for their forbearance and to reserve judgement until the completion of the review.
The Board is committed to working to a future that brings openness, diversity and equality to our theatre, as well as excellence in creative endeavour and collaboration. We intend to be unwavering in the pursuit of these principles and by our actions hope to rebuild the trust of the wider community. This will include completion of the ongoing governance review including implementation of comprehensive policies on all relevant matters, completion of the board rotation underway and appointment of new board members.
All of us at the Gate Theatre remain steadfast in our ambition to preserve the Gate as a theatre of international standing and excellence with new artistic leadership and a drive to bring world class productions to our stage within a safe, transparent, respectful and supportive working environment.”
