Close Encounters of an Intimate Kind: Gender and Performance during COVID-19

Intimacy Directors International was founded in 2016 as an organization that targets the artistic direction of intimate scenes (such as sex scenes or romantic scenes) in theatre, film and television. Partially prompted by the #Metoo movement, the intimacy direction effort is an acknowledgement of the sexual harassment and interpersonal discomfort that many performers (largely women) experience in the entertainment industry. The directing approach that is advocated by this group, and other newly formed groups with similar purposes, is one that looks at intimate scene-work much like stage combat or stunt work, where the movements are choreographed in order to prevent harm. There are also frequent check-ins so that the actors feel allowed to voice any anxiety or desire to change or stop what is happening. With COVID-19 bringing performance (particularly live theatre performance) to a halt indefinitely, the effects on performers’ careers are substantial. I focus on the consequences to the intimacy direction movement which already targets gender differently, given the inequity faced by most women in these industries. The Intimacy Directors International organization, according to their website, officially dissolved as of March 15, 2020. While they note that their mission—to initiate the intimacy direction industry—has been accomplished, I will explore how the dissolution of such a supportive and large part of the movement might affect performance as it regains its place in society, particularly for those most negatively affected by the negligent and predatory practices that brought about the need for intimacy direction in the first place.