The Belgian artist Jean Fabre was referred to the Antwerp court, mainly for sexual harassment at work and indecent assault in the ongoing dispute with his dance troupe Troubleyn, the Belgian judiciary announced today.
In 2018, around 20 dancers - former collaborators of Jean Fabre in this company - had complained in an open letter of «humiliation» and sexual blackmail.
In their text, published in September 2018 on the website of the Dutch-language art magazine rekto:verso, the former collaborators and practitioners denounced systematic acts of «harassment» on the part of the Flemish artist.
The twenty co-signatories, the majority of whom were women - 20 of whom were listed by name - stressed that «humiliation was the bread and butter» in the Troubleyn troupe.
They themselves explained how Jean Fabre invited artists to his home under the pretext of representational art performances and then attempted a «sexual approach».
Some associates have seen a substantial amount of money offered to them following these invitations. Those who declined the money saw their role in the shows reduced.
Following the complaint, the Antwerp Labour Inspectorate launched an investigation and - as part of this procedure - it was decided to take Fabre to court.
The artist will be tried mainly for «violence» and «sexual harassment at work» against «twelve workers» and for «indecent assault», the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
A first procedural hearing will be held in court on 21 September, the statement said. It will aim to set a timetable for the trial and will not necessarily include an appearance by the defendant.
«I never intended to intimidate or traumatize people psychologically or sexually,» Fabre said at the time, speaking to rekto:verso.
Choreographer, plastic artist, theatre director, Jean Fabre, 62, is known for the provocative nature of his art, with shows that openly address the issue of sexuality.
In February 2016 it was announced that he will take over the position of Artistic Director of the Hellenic Festival. In April he submitted his resignation, after the furore caused by «The Waving Penises» - or more correctly, the performance «Mount Olympus» - which he wanted to include in the festival.
