This new platform, held in the Humboldt Forum’s reconstructed Berlin Palace, commemorates 140 years since the Berlin Africa Conference of 1884-1885. Known as the "Scramble for Africa," the conference laid the groundwork for European colonial control over the continent, an event often overlooked in European public memory. The festival’s critical programming, on the other hand, uses the anniversary as a reminder and a call to re-examine historical narratives and artifacts within the Humboldt Forum’s own collections.

A diverse lineup of performances includes dance by Cameroonian Zora Snake, poetry by Nigerian Logan February, and theater by DeLaVallet Bidiefono from the Republic of Congo. Each artist brings a unique lens to the theme of colonial legacy, presenting pieces that are both entertaining and reflective. The festival includes artist introductions, audience Q&As, and a special poetry session, offering a unique space for intercultural dialogue and engagement.

The festival opens on November 7 with a ceremonial greeting from Hartmut Dorgerloh, Humboldt Forum’s General Director, and Maguèye Kassé from Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Senegal. Transkontinentale marks the start of a broader autumn series dedicated to amplifying voices from former German colonies, bridging artistic, academic, and community perspectives on colonial memory and its modern implications.

• - https://www.humboldtforum.org/en/programm/termin/theatre/the-children-of-amazi-138309/
• - https://www.berlin.de/en/events/9224318-2842498-transkontinentale.en.html