Blog

A settlement was reached in today's arbitration concerning the case of Lopes Gomes. Furthermore, the Staatsballett Berlin insistently continues its diversity-oriented structural transformation.

In today's arbitration concerning the non-renewal of ensemble member Chloé Lopes Gomes fixed-term contract and her accusations of discrimination, a settlement was reached by both parties. Mrs. Lopes Gomes' contract will be renewed for one more season and will be terminated at the end of the 2021/22 season. In addition, financial compensation was agreed upon.

A statement by the Staatsballett's provisional artistic director, Dr. Christiane Theobald, reads as follows:

“Today, the Bühnenschiedsgericht – the German Labour Court for stage employees – dealt with the non-renewal of Mrs. Chloé Lopes Gomes fixed-term contract. I am glad that we reached an agreement today, settling the legal dispute.

I regret Chloé Lopes Gomes' experiences of discriminatory behaviour which we take very seriously and are currently processing in depth.

At the Staatsballett Berlin, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy in regards to racism and any form of discrimination. Therefore, we began a structural transformation with the goal of putting independence, collegiality and artistic freedom at the centre of the entire company's work process.

A great opportunity to change lies in the current situation; it is a wake-up call.”

In December 2020, an ombudsman's office has been set up for all employees of the Staatsballett Berlin. Everyone is encouraged to anonymously report experiences with/or having been witness to discriminatory behaviour. The company will publish first results and consequential recommendations.

To read our first statement, please go to www.staatsballett-berlin.de/statement.