parallelgesellschaft

The intersectional, post-German artist collective parallelgesellschaft (a German term meaning “parallel society”), has been organizing live reading events at bars across Berlin-Neukölln since 2017. Their format blends readings, concerts, stand-up comedy, and political discourse. Literary and musical forms of expression are given equal space, and the audience is invited to take part in the conversation. The collective deliberately focuses on German-language texts—both to engage in critical discourse on socially relevant topics in German and to actively claim linguistic space. Their show during the 13th Berlin Biennale revolves around trickery as an art of survival.

The members of parallelgesellschaft are independent artists working in theater, literature, visual arts, music, and film. Additionally, many collaborate with educational institutions as curators, moderators, and workshop facilitators. For them, art and entertainment are inherently political (inter)actions. Their shows act as a hinge: not only do they connect the artistic with the political, but they also, so they say, “foster net- working among non-white artists.”

Each event features a guest artist from the fields of music or literature, along with an external expert—ranging from activists and researchers to journalists and trade unionists. In preparation for a show, another artist takes over parallelgesellschaft’s Instagram account to explore an upcoming theme from an additional perspective. This digital space also provides visibility for educators and artists whose work only exists online.

The time audience and performers spend together is at the heart of parallelgesellschaft’s endeavor. Whether critical, cathartic, or humorous, these moments strengthen the collective aesthetic experience and forge connections between people on and off the stage long after the performance has ended.

Text: Alicja Schindler