Performers should not have to be nude during auditions unless they have signed an informed consent form and an agreed-upon observer is present, the Association for Performing Arts Practitioners (Apap) has recommended.
Moreover, all performers should be informed about the nature and extent of any nudity or sex acts before being engaged and should only be seen naked for the filmed or staged scene, not for most of the rehearsal period.
The recommendations are from a list of guidelines on nudity on stage and screen agreed upon yesterday by those present during a consultation meeting in Valletta.
“Our aim is to offer guidelines that protect both performers and producers, particularly when it comes to putting on sensitive material,” said Apap spokesman Chris Gatt, an established theatre director.
Recent events have created a sense of the whole industry being somewhat beyond the pale
The meeting follows allegations that veteran actor John Suda sexually assaulted a young actress during one-to-one training for a TV audition last month. The actress was allegedly blindfolded and asked to strip to her underwear “to control her inhibitions and be a better actor” before Mr Suda allegedly got naked and placed her hand on his private parts.
“In the public eye, recent events have created a sense of the whole industry being somewhat beyond the pale,” Mr Gatt said. “We are not saying we shouldn’t touch sensitive subjects but there are ways and means for this to be done.”
The new Apap guidelines also advise that nude or sex scenes be treated like choreography and be planned and negotiated. A third party should always be present during nude scenes, and performers provided with a safe exit.
The meeting was attended by some 50 performing arts practitioners and theatre company representatives. In an often-contentious discussion, they highlighted the importance of protecting both directors and performers, and allowing space for negotiation to avoid stifling different forms of theatre.
“We are not imposing regulations but putting forward guidelines which performers can opt to follow or adapt,” Mr Gatt said.