This is a theatre production on Sinti and Roma in Berlin, developed in cooperation with local youths.  The problem in Berlin is that prejudice against Sinti and Roma comes from various sides: there is racist prejudice among a great number of white Germans on the one hand, and among immigrants on the other.


The difficult situation of the Roma and Sinti in Germany and the rest of Europe has only lately become a matter of public debate.  Roma and Sinti in Germany still have to deal with much prejudice, discrimination and exclusion in everyday life.  The word “Gypsy” is often used as a swear-word by youngsters – whether they are of German descent or have an immigrant background.  Many Roma and Sinti avoid being identified as such in order to prevent harassment.  Various existing Roma projects have not done much to alleviate the problem, because they are projects that define the Roma and Sinti as socially deprived people, hence reaffirming their status as “problematic”.  The Rroma Aether Theater aims to create a place in which people feel at home regardless of their background, language, age, religious or sexual orientation.  The theater, which is based in the Neukölln district of Berlin, develops cultural events, such as exhibitions, concerts and stage plays, from the perspective of the Roma and Sinti.

In 2008 the theater is rehearsing a stage play in cooperation with two actors and two musicians.  The play addresses questions of racism with the help of various forms of theater, Roma music and multimedia.  It explores how hatred and stereotypes help (re)produce power structures.  The play, set in antiquity, avoids pointing a finger at particular groups.  It raises universally valid questions but at the same time is relevant to contemporary life in Berlin.  After each performance there will be a discussion with the actors, the director and the audience.

The intended audience of the theater are members of the German majority, people with an immigrant background and members of the Roma and Sinti community.  It is important for the Roma and Sinti community to see that a project that defines itself as “Roma” can receive public recognition without reproducing stereotypes.


Ruti Ungar

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