PERFORMER’S OPINIONS ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE PERFORMING ARTS IN TURKEY

Abstract

This research aims to reveal the performer perception and encounters in regards to sexual harassment in the field of performing arts in Turkey. The basis of the study is to unearth the thoughts of the performers about the sexual harassment exposures and to capture when, where and by whom the unwanted situations such as sexual harassment are experienced. The phenomenology design of qualitative research method is at the center of this study since 'sexual harassment and sexist attitude' is a phenomenon which is literally experienced. Document review and in-depth interviews were employed as data collection methods. Four researchers conducted 27 interviews, capturing more than 26 hours long recording that transcripted into 637 pages of data. After analyzing the data, it was found that the performers expressed their opinions in four different categories on sexual harassment behaviors in the theatre world. The first group stated that they did not encounter such experience; the second group generalized the issue and emphasized that the sexual harassment can happen anywhere; the third group openly stated that they have been exposed to sexual harassment themselves; the fourth group stated that in comparison to other sectors they think that the situation in the theater world is better. In addition, the performers emphasized on intricate relationships caused by hierarchy, informal networking and competitiveness prepared environements for harassment. Keywords: Performing Arts, Theatre, Sexual Harassment, Gender