Performing Arts Festival Berlin

During a performance of a production as part of the Kultursommer festival, a white person used the N-word on stage. This production was also previously presented at the 2022 edition of PAF. In this case, however, the N-word was not used due to a contractual regulations, amongst others. The Kultursommer festival became aware of the production through PAF and invited it to be part of their programming; racist language was then used in the performance. This incident concerns us as a team. We clearly position ourselves against racism, discrimination and oppression of all kinds and would like to work toward the independent performing arts community becoming a place free of discrimination where people with different societal positionings do not experience discrimination. The PAF team is already planning additional measures to raise awareness more strongly within all participants and to provide better support to those who have been affected. We will also continue to work toward a better understanding of racism and other forms of discrimination and coming to terms with the origins, effects and consequences of power relationships.