Berlin theatre cancels pool event for Black children

Berlin's Volksbuehne theatre cancelled plans on Friday to reserve its outdoor “Volksbad” swimming pool for Black children, young people and their relatives for one afternoon, saying racist emails, threats of violence and hostile coverage had raised safety concerns.

The theatre and the anti-racism organisation Each One Teach One had described the event as a positive measure for structurally disadvantaged groups. The pool project, launched by artistic director Matthias Lilienthal, is running for eight weeks this summer with free online booking and some days reserved for partner organisations.

The far-right Alternative for Germany was among those that objected to the plan. Co-leader Alice Weidel wrote on X: “Apartheid as a model for Germany?” and called for tax funds for such events to be cut. Local conservative politician Aileen Weibeler said on Instagram that the plan gave her “a really strange and discriminatory feeling”.

The theatre and EOTO said they cancelled the event because it had become a target of right-wing and racist agitation. Lilienthal said the theatre would continue to offer positive initiatives for structurally disadvantaged people.

Berlin anti-discrimination official Cansel Kiziltepe condemned what she called a heated campaign of hostility and threats, and said racism and exclusion were part of daily life for Black people.