Marco Goecke suspended as associate choreographer at NDT

Marco Goecke’s position as associate choreographer at Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) has been suspended. The dance company has announced this in response to the open letter of a large number of art critics and journalists directed to its management and Board of Directors. 

On 11 February choreographer Goecke assaulted dance critic Wiebke Hüster of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung by smearing dog feces in her face. The Dutch critics regarded Goecke’s subsequent reaction as a refusal to issue a sincere and convincing apology which prompted them to address NDT to take its responsibility.

Soon after NDT released the following statement:

“NDT informs you that we suspend the position of Marco Goecke as associate choreographer. This means he will not create new work during the upcoming season. We will continue to perform Marco Goeckes existing repertoire, created in collaboration with the dancers and team of NDT. 

NDT strongly rejects the event which took place in Hannover at 11 February between Marco Goecke and a critic of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. We do regret it, if we have not stated this clearly enough. NDT views this event as an attack at the freedom of press. 

NDT contributes to a constructive dialogue on the relation between journalists and staff involved in artistic productions. We regard this as a broader discussion between the arts field and her critics.“

Photo: Regina Brocke