FAIRSTAGE conference "Sticking with it – strategies and utopias of fair theatre practice"

The FAIRSTAGE conference on December 5th and 6th, 2024 in feldfünf and the Deutsches Theater Berlin brings together cultural politicians, theatre makers and interested parties to develop innovative approaches, visionary ideas and concrete solutions for fair theatre structures.

The focus is on the conviction that fair working conditions must become a reality.

On the first day of the conference in feldfünf, the focus is on an analysis of current theatre structures and the development of visions for the future. In a panel discussion, Azeret Koua (Theaterhaus Jena), Lea Gockel (coordinator for inclusive cultural practice, Mousonturm artists' house), Tunçay Kulaoğlu (dramaturg) and Prof. Dr. Joy Kristin Kalu (University of the Arts) share their perspectives.

A highlight of the day is the presentation of the new FAIRSTAGE publication "Participation.Power.Theater - Portraits of Berlin theaters and impulses for participatory, power-critical work".

This sheds light on the current organizational development of institutionally funded theaters. A particular focus is on the work of the Accessibility for Performing Arts Working Group, which calls for structural changes to take the needs of disabled, neurodivergent, deaf and chronically ill artists into greater consideration. Together, we will discuss how existing structures can be made more inclusive.

On the second day, the resource time is the focus of the discussions in feldfünf and at the Deutsches Theater Berlin. As part of the FAIRSTAGE participation forum, experts will address the challenge of fair working time in the theater. The discussion participants include Anna Volkland, Noa Winter and representatives of the stage mothers*.

The importance of diversity agents will be examined in cooperation with Diversity Arts Culture using practical examples. Their role in structural changes will be illustrated through reports of experiences. In addition, the ensemble network is offering a workshop that imparts knowledge and tools for self-organization - an important step for sustainable transformation.

The event will conclude with a discussion with Dr. Sandrine Micossé-Aikins (Diversity Arts Culture), Johannes Leppin (Managing Director of the Deutsches Theater Berlin) and Melanie Kühnemann-Grunow (SPD). The focus is on anchoring fair working conditions and promoting diversity in the theater business.

The conference will be moderated by Fatima Çalışkan

(EVENT IN GERMAN)