Berlin cultural senator condemns threats against Volksbühne

Berlin's cultural senator Stefan Evers has condemned racist threats and discussions directed at the Volksbühne theater, calling them unacceptable. The theater and the association Each One Teach One (Eoto) had canceled an event that was intended to be a swimming gathering exclusively for members of the Black community, particularly children and youth, at a temporary pool called the Volksbad.

Evers, a CDU politician, stated, "Threats of violence against an art project are just as unacceptable as the threat against critical voices." He stressed that "the entire city must be a safe place. For every person, regardless of how they look, whom they love, what they believe in, or what opinion they hold."

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Threats of violence against an art project are just as unacceptable as the threat against critical voices. The entire city must be a safe place. For every person, regardless of how they look, whom they love, what they believe in, or what opinion they hold.

The theater cited concerns about guaranteeing safe travel for attendees and ensuring a relaxed afternoon as reasons for the cancellation. "Art can provoke. It wants to and should stimulate debate. That is its claim. That is its mission," Evers said. "Disagreement, criticism, and even tough arguments on the substance are part of a free society. What does not belong are threats, intimidation, or violence."

Left and Green party politicians in Berlin had previously called the cancellation "unbearable." Elif Eralp, a leading Left party candidate, stated that the cancellation due to safety concerns, preventing Black children and youth from swimming, shows "how much hate and agitation are spreading." Green party candidate Werner Graf called it a "scandal."

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Art can provoke. It wants to and should stimulate debate. That is its claim. That is its mission. Disagreement, criticism, and even tough arguments on the substance are part of a free society. What does not belong are threats, intimidation, or violence.