Dramaten Protest: Activist Storms Stage During Performance

A performance of Milo Rau’s “Rage” at the Dramaten theatre in Stockholm was interrupted Tuesday evening when an activist rushed the stage, displaying a banner and voicing concerns about climate collapse, forced deportations, and the erosion of democracy. The activist, identified as Roxy Farhat, was associated with the group Återställ Våtmarker (Restore Wetlands), according to Aftonbladet.

The disruption occurred during the play itself, prompting a brief period of confusion in the auditorium. Lena Törner, press officer for Dramaten, told Expressen that the activist “shouted something about ‘culture being toothless if we don’t act.’” Farhat subsequently shared footage of the protest on social media.

Following the interruption, actors were able to resume their performance, and the final ten minutes of “Rage” were completed without further incident. The incident has prompted discussion about security protocols at the national theatre, with Nyheter Sverige noting that Dramaten recently experienced a separate disturbance during a children’s event featuring drag queens. The theatre may now face increased pressure to allocate resources to security measures.

Jacob Lundström, writing in Dagens Nyheter, observed that the protest occurred within a specific context of plays at Dramaten that often focus on the anxieties of the cultural middle class. He suggested that the act of disrupting the performance felt somewhat redundant given the play’s existing meta-commentary. Lundström also noted the audience’s reaction, with some applauding the activist’s actions.

The Dramaten has not yet issued a comprehensive statement regarding the incident beyond confirming the disruption and the activist’s subsequent departure. It remains unclear whether Farhat will be invited to discuss her protest with theatre management, as suggested by some reports.