Award-winning director Ivo van Hove (A Little Life) is stepping down as artistic director of ITA (International Theater Amsterdam) after 22 years.
He will exit the post on 1 September 2023, although continue to be ITA’s director of the ensemble and advisor.
Van Hove will be succeeded by director Eline Arbo, who will serve alongside the ITA’s general director Clayde Menso.
Originally from Norway, Eline Arbo has been Associate Artistic Director of ITA since 2022, and is currently Ibsen Artist in Residence.
Her previous productions include The Sorrows of Young Werther, Gone with Eddy, Three Sisters, The Hours, and The Years.
This month ITA will premiere Arbo’s adaptation of Penthesilea with the ITA ensemble, followed by her new adaptations of Prima Facie by Suzie Miller and The Laws by Connie Palmen, in ITA’s 2023/2024 season.
Ivo van Hove’s production of A Little Life is currently playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London starring James Norton, Luke Thompson, Omari Douglas, and Zach Wyatt. The show will move to the Savoy Theatre from 4 July to 5 August 2023 – book tickets here.
His new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni opened at The Metropolitan Opera in New York last month.
Forthcoming projects include Jesus Christ Superstar for Stage Entertainment, and a rumoured stage adaptation of The Shining starring Ben Stiller.
Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Leontine van der Goes, said in a press statement: “After 22 years of intensive directorship, Ivo has expressed a desire to have more space for his (international) directing activities and to relinquish his leadership of ITA. We grant him this wholeheartedly. We are very grateful to Ivo for what he has brought to ITA; our international success is largely due to him. Ivo will continue to make his artistic contribution as director and advisor to ITA. With Eline Arbo, we have a fantastic successor with vision and leadership to whom we very much trust the artistic direction of ITA. She knows the organisation inside out and is aware of what is required in this role. Her inclusive way of creating theatre is loved both inside and outside ITA. We are proud that with Eline we can once again connect such an innovative leading director to ITA as artistic director. We greatly look forward to working together.”
Ivo van Hove said: “After 22 years of working diligently as a director, it is time for a new phase in my life and a new role within ITA. Together with the Supervisory Board, I explored what that new role might look like and I am very happy with the agreement we have reached on this. I can now fully focus on my artistic (directing) role for this fantastic ensemble starting from this autumn. It also gives me room to dedicate my time to other work outside ITA, such as international directing and the Ruhrtriennale. I will of course remain a passionate ambassador for ITA. My decision was partly prompted by the fact that Eline proved willing to take over my position. I am proud to hand over the artistic direction of ITA to her. Her passion for the big stage and her familiarity with dealing with an extended ensemble of actors makes Eline the ideal successor. I am confident that ITA’s artistic future is in good hands with her. We will dedicate the coming months to a attentive handover process.”
Eline Arbo said: “From my first production at ITA, it immediately felt like coming home. Over the past year and a half, I have enjoyed and been inspired getting to know the company more closely in my position as Associate Artistic Director. ITA is a home where artistic innovation and love for the craft is palpable in every department, and where a diverse range of theatre and dance continues to both inspire and challenge. Over the past 22 years, Ivo has built a fantastic company with an internationally renowned ensemble of actors – including an incredibly strong team around them – that has put Dutch theatre on the world map. I am honoured that the Supervisory Board has the confidence in me to build on his work. I am greatly looking forward to working with the executive team to further shape ITA’s future.”
