Examples of theatrical productions include the many productions of the play "Unschuld" (Innocence) by the German writer
Dea Loher, although in this play about two black African immigrants, the use of black-face is not part of the stage directions or instructions.
[175] The staging of the play "Unschuld" (Innocence) at the Deutsches Theater in Berlin was also subject of protest.
[176] The activist group "Bühnenwatch" (stage watch) performed a stunt in one of the stagings: 42 activists, posing as spectators, left the audience without a word and later distributed leaflets to the audience. Fundamental of the criticism was that the use of black-face solidifies stereotypes regardless of any good intentions and supports racist structures. The critics were invited to a discussion with the director, actors, theatre manager and other artists of the Deutsches Theater. As a result of the discussion, Deutsches Theater changed the design of actor make-up. Ulrich Khuon, the theatre manager, later admitted to being surprised by the protest and is now in a process of reflection.
German productions of
Herb Gardner's
I'm Not Rappaport almost always cast the role of Midge Carter, the black character, famously portrayed in the U.S. by
Ossie Davis, with a white actor in black makeup. The 2012 production of the play at the Berlin Schlosspark-Theater was the subject of protest.
[178][179] The director, Thomas Schendel, in his response to critics, argued that the classical and common plays would not offer enough roles that would justify a repertoire position for a black actor in a German theatre company. The protest grew considerably and was followed by media reports. While advocates of the theatre indicated that in principle it should be possible for any actor to play any character and that the play itself has an anti-racist message, the critics noted that the letter unwillingly disclosed the general, unexpressed policy of German theatres, i.e., that white actors are accounted to be qualified for all roles, even black ones, while black actors are suitable only for black roles.
[180] Other authors said that this problem in Germany generally exists for citizens with an immigrant background.
[181][182]The debate also received foreign media attention. The Schlosspark-Theater announced plans to continue the performances, and the German publishing company of
Rappaport stated it will continue to grant permits for such performances.
