Berlin Theater Director Defends Pool Access for Disadvantaged Groups Amid Criticism

Matthias Lilienthal, the artistic director of Berlin's Volksbühne theater, has defended a controversial decision to grant exclusive access to a temporary public pool to disadvantaged groups. The pool, set up in front of the theater and open until early October, is free to use. However, on certain days, it is reserved for specific associations.

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We try to follow the Berlin state anti-discrimination law, which provides for offering a framework for groups that experience discriminatory experiences in which they can move without discrimination.

Lilienthal explained that the initiative aims to comply with Berlin's state anti-discrimination law, which seeks to offer a framework for groups that have experienced discrimination to move freely without facing further prejudice. One such group, the association "Each One Teach One" (EOTO), which focuses on anti-racism and the empowerment of Black people, was scheduled to have exclusive use of the pool on a Friday afternoon.

The policy has drawn criticism, with Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right AfD party, calling it "apartheid." A local CDU politician also expressed disapproval, stating she felt discriminated against because she is white and could not use the pool during the reserved hours. Lilienthal countered these criticisms by emphasizing that the Volksbühne is committed to promoting structurally disadvantaged groups.

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No, the Volksbühne is fundamentally committed to promoting structurally disadvantaged groups, and especially with this program.

He further clarified that other groups, such as Gangway-Crew, which provides street social work for young people, and Flussbad Berlin, an organization advocating for swimming in the Spree River, also receive dedicated access on different days. Lilienthal appealed for respect, characterizing these as "positive measures for structurally disadvantaged people and responsibility that public institutions have." The pool has experienced temporary closures due to issues with its showers but is expected to reopen soon.

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This is about positive measures for structurally disadvantaged people and responsibility that public institutions have. We ask for respect that we only request the visit of the affected group at the event.