The festival program presents contemporary positions on the current situation in Lebanon, Iran, and Ukraine, clearly demonstrating that circumstances and reasons for exile cannot be easily conflated and compared. “Performing Exiles” rather aims to be a forum for Berlin-based artists, bring together various scenes and perspectives, and highlight the responsibility of (Berlin’s) cultural institutions towards exiled artists living in the city. The festival also sees itself as a structural initiative, connecting with international positions.

In addition to two world premieres by Berlin-based artists produced by the Berliner Festspiele, the festival presents performances – including “Hartaqāt” by Lina Majadalanie and Rabih Mroué –, plays, lectures, concerts, and the three-week “School for Dissident Friendship,” a cooperation with Ashkal Alwan, Beirut, which connects emerging artists from Berlin, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egpyt, offering them expertise, time, and space to develop their works.

Rabih Mroué is the recipient of the 2020 Schering Stiftung Award for Artistic Research awarded.