Germany's anti-diversity backlash isn't fatigue it's strategy masquerading as neutrality | Fatma Aydemir

"The work builds itself in the everyday: four performers move in circles across an empty stage. It brings the so-called pedestrian movement of postmodern dance walking, standing, sitting the sort of movement considered neutral, almost invisible, into collision with the Black body. When a racialised person simply moves, simply breathes in our shared streets, the piece seems to ask, is that ever neutral?"

"In the wake of Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, suddenly there were panels everywhere on structural racism, gender quotas and commitments to diversify programming. Berlin, ever proud of its progressive image, rushed to be the ultimate role model for diversity. And it was, for a while. But now the mood is changing, dramatically. Across the city, the appetite for diversity seems to have passed."

Joana Tischkau's Runnin' stages four performers moving in circles to collide everyday pedestrian movement with the Black body. The piece contrasts mythologised notions of Black athleticism—supernatural speed and strength—with the suspicion and fear a Black person running can provoke in public spaces. The choreography asks whether ordinary movement can ever be neutral for a racialised body. Audience response was enthusiastic. After an initial post-Black Lives Matter and #MeToo push toward panels and diversity commitments, Berlin's energy for anti-racist and inclusive work has faded and diversity programmes face cuts under austerity.

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