Vanja Hermele, a gender studies scholar, embarked on a research project at the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Dramaten) in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2016, exploring the institution’s approach to its state-mandated gender equality mission. Her research took an unexpected turn with the eruption of the #MeToo movement in the fall of 2017. Hermele found herself at the epicenter of a turbulent period in the theatre’s history, witnessing firsthand the institution’s grappling with allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct. This unique vantage point transformed her research and ultimately led to her book, ”Antiorganisationen. Dramaten och metoo” (The Anti-Organization: Dramaten and #MeToo), published in May 2024. The book, adapted from her dissertation, offers an intimate glimpse into the theatre’s inner workings during this tumultuous period, capturing the complex dynamics and institutional responses before, during, and after the #MeToo movement swept through the industry.
The arrival of #MeToo, with its wave of testimonies and the specific industry-focused hashtags like #tystnadtagning (Silence Taken) and #metoobackstage, initially unsettled Hermele. Her research focus had been on the theatre’s everyday routines and structures, and the sudden crisis of the #MeToo revelations disrupted this focus. The theatre became embroiled in controversy, besieged by media inquiries, and forced to confront its internal culture. While her initial research focus shifted, the upheaval around her sharpened the very structures she was studying, revealing underlying issues with greater clarity. Hermele recognized the extraordinary nature of her position and the unique data she was collecting, understanding the historical significance of documenting this transformative period at Dramaten. The pervasiveness of the #MeToo discussions, both personally and within the broader societal context, further underscored the importance of capturing this moment.
Her book delves into the intensity of the #MeToo period, depicting a time when personal accounts of sexual harassment and assault were omnipresent. Hermele describes the atmosphere as one of widespread introspection, prompting individuals to reflect on their own experiences and those of others. The book aims to preserve the visceral impact of this time, a period so emotionally charged that its full impact might otherwise fade from collective memory. Emphasizing the book’s insider perspective, Hermele highlights its unique access to Dramaten’s inner workings, traditionally shielded from public view. The theatre, though outwardly accessible to audiences, maintains a degree of internal secrecy, particularly within its backstage areas. Her research allows readers to penetrate this veil of privacy, observing the theatre’s internal processes, discussions, and responses to the #MeToo crisis, offering insights into a world rarely seen by outsiders.
Hermele’s research also addressed the central question of Dramaten’s gender equality status. The book’s chapter titled ”Döden” (Death) hints at the resistance to gender equality initiatives within certain segments of the theatre during this time. However, her research expands beyond gender issues, revealing a broader tendency to subordinate organizational matters within such institutions. While acknowledging the limited scope of her research with regards to long-term impacts, Hermele observes that the initial force of the #MeToo movement spurred ambitious change initiatives at Dramaten. However, given the deeply entrenched nature of institutional structures and the relatively short time since #MeToo (seven years at the time of the book’s publication), she expresses skepticism about the possibility of complete transformation. Despite the challenges, Hermele believes that the theatre has developed a heightened awareness and vigilance towards these issues.
The core contribution of ”Antiorganisationen. Dramaten och metoo” lies in its exposure of deeply ingrained, persistent structures within the theatre organization. Hermele underscores that these structures are not unique to Dramaten but are prevalent in various other industries, a point highlighted by the widespread reach of the #MeToo movement. The book’s value extends beyond the specifics of the theatre world, offering insights into how institutions grapple with systemic issues and the challenges of enacting meaningful change. The book serves as a valuable case study, highlighting both the complexities of addressing entrenched power dynamics and the potential for positive transformation within organizations.
”Antiorganisationen. Dramaten och metoo” is a multifaceted work, documenting a pivotal moment in the history of the Royal Dramatic Theatre. It acts as a testament to the power of social movements like #MeToo to expose hidden realities and catalyze change within institutions. It also underscores the ongoing need for critical examination of workplace cultures and the enduring challenge of achieving true equality. While focused on a specific institution, the book’s insights resonate with broader societal issues, offering valuable perspectives on the dynamics of power, resistance, and the ongoing struggle for systemic change. Hermele’s work stands as a significant contribution to understanding the impact of the #MeToo era, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in organizational culture, gender dynamics, and the challenges of social change.
