Performing Democracy – International Festival of Performing Arts

Three Venues, One Festival

Performing Democracy brings together three of Freiburg's most important independent stages: E-WERK Freiburg (Eschholzstraße 77), Theater Freiburg (Bertoldstraße 46), and Theater im Marienbad (Marienstraße 4). Together, they are organizing an international festival that asks how performance, dance, and theatre can contribute to vibrant democracy – both as a place for encounter and as a form of resistance.

Opening with Claire Cunningham

The festival opens on May 6 and 7, 2026, with Scottish choreographer and performer Claire Cunningham's “Songs of the Wayfarer” – a humorous journey with crutches and song, exploring life from a "Crip" perspective (a self-designation used by queer activists for people with disabilities). Cunningham is among the most important international voices in Disability Arts.

International Guest Performances

On May 12 and 13, 2026, Soa Ratsifandrihana will present “Fampitaha, fampita, fampitàna” at E-WERK – a dance performance tracing diaspora narratives between Madagascar and Europe. On May 12, Panzetti/Ticconi will present “All'arme” at Theater Freiburg – a performance exploring the tension between individual action and collective power. On May 8 and 9, “Backyard (A Field to Search) – The Lecture” – a performance lecture on enforced disappearances in Mexico – will be shown at Theater Freiburg.

“Die Bewegung” on May 10 – Stadtpark as an Art Space

On May 10, 2026, a sports park in Freiburg will become the venue for a major performance: “Die Bewegung” transforms the park into an artistic spectacle featuring local clubs and cultural institutions. The format blends dance, sports, performance, and participatory action – showcasing Freiburg at its most creative.

Family Format: “Der Bleiche Baron”

From May 9 to 11, 2026, Theater im Marienbad will present “Der Bleiche Baron” – a musical fairy tale for children aged 8 and up. This accessible program line opens the festival to families.

Closing Party “Still together” on May 13

The festival concludes on May 13, 2026, starting at 9:30 PM with the closing party at E-WERK, featuring the performance “Still together” – a celebration that performatively addresses the question of democracy and encounter. A party that is also a statement.

Freiburg as a Cultural City

Freiburg im Breisgau is one of the most important cultural cities in southwestern Germany. Located at the foot of the Black Forest, the city of around 230,000 inhabitants is home to a university, numerous independent stages, and a dense network of independent theatre. Performing Democracy is one of the festivals that updates this tradition.