
die Aufführung
performance
The public presentation of an artistic work, such as a play, concert, or opera.
Die Aufführung des neuen Stücks beginnt um 20 Uhr.
The performance of the new play begins at 8 p.m.
performance / listing
Loading your saved state.

performance
The public presentation of an artistic work, such as a play, concert, or opera.
Die Aufführung des neuen Stücks beginnt um 20 Uhr.
The performance of the new play begins at 8 p.m.

listing
The detailed listing or naming of individual items, facts, or arguments.
Die Aufführung aller Kostenpunkte zeigte, wie teuer das Projekt wirklich war.
The listing of all cost items showed how expensive the project really was.
'Die Aufführung' (the performance/listing) is a noun derived from the separable verb 'aufführen' (to perform/list). The ending '-ung' turns a verb into a feminine noun that describes the action or result of the verb.
Die Schauspieler bereiten sich auf die Aufführung vor.
The actors are preparing for the performance.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about theater, music, or dance, the presentation/performance is meant. If it is about lists, data, or facts, the listing is meant.
Die Aufführung des Balletts war ausverkauft.
The performance of the ballet was sold out.
In a cultural context, 'Aufführung' (performance) is often used with certain verbs and prepositions. Typical phrases are 'eine Aufführung besuchen' (to attend a performance), 'zur Aufführung kommen' (to be performed), or 'bei der Aufführung dabei sein' (to be present at the performance).
Welches Stück kommt heute Abend zur Aufführung?
Which play is being performed this evening?
game / play
In theater, Spiel can mean the acting performance by the actors. Aufführung, by contrast, refers to the entire public event at which the play is presented. Spiel is therefore appropriate for an actor’s performance, while Aufführung is appropriate for the theater performance as a whole.

Die ausverkaufte Aufführung des Theaterstücks beeindruckte das Publikum.
The sold-out performance of the play impressed the audience.
Das ausdrucksstarke Spiel der Hauptdarstellerin beeindruckte das Publikum.
The lead actress’s expressive acting impressed the audience.