What can art do? What changes emanate from the stage? What power does Ballhaus Naunynstraße have? What does a Black institution mean in the German theater landscape and for Black cultural workers?

In 2023, Ballhaus Naunynstraße was awarded the German Federal Theater Prize for its outstanding theater work – an occasion for us to reflect on the role of this theater in society.

Many artists started here, many moved on to bigger stages; what they all have in common is that they have made a contribution to an unlikely story: That a theater with a focus on Black protagonists has now existed in Germany for ten years and is emphatically setting impulses in culture, politics and science.

Some of these artists will come together on this evening: They will provide insights into their work and that of Ballhaus Naunynstraße and reflect together on the impact of theater: Can we build on this shared experience? How did their own theater experience continue? What has changed in the theater scene in ten years? What do you wish for your own work and for the theater landscape? Where does the theater need to develop?

The future begins where new roles are created. It is time to discuss the impact of theater once again and together.