kabarett berlin

Weimar Berlin 1920-33

This programme delves into the world of Berlin cabaret and political theatre between 1920-1933.

One century on from the heyday of the Weimar Republic many of the tensions experienced then continue to resonate today.

Questions around established institutions including family, the economy and the function of the state, as well as fast-moving technological advances and new political and creative concepts also bring with them uncertainty, discontent and fear.

Berlin Cabaret and theatre often challenged traditional attitudes towards gender and inter-personal relationships and commented on the sociatal injustices that would herald the rise of populist fascism and Hitler’s chancellorship in 1933.

The programme includes Spoliansky and Schiffer’s “Maskulinum-Femininum”, commentaries on the chasm between the über wealthy and the rest: “The Smart Set” and “It’s All A Swindle”, Holländer’s feminist anthem “Chuck Out The Men”, as well as Marlene Dietrich’s international hit “Falling In Love Again” and Weill and Brecht’s “Mack The Knife” and “Surabaya Johnny”

The programme can be adapted to be 60 minutes or 2 x 45 minutes.

KABARETT BERLIN (example programme)

It’s What’s In The Air 1928 - Mischa Spoliansky/Marcellus Schiffer
Barbara’s Song 1929 - Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht
O Just Suppose 1928 - Friedrich Hollaender
Maskulinum-Femininum 1921-24 - Mischa Spoliansky/Marcellus Schiffer
Sex Appeal 1930 - Friedrich Hollaender
Alone in a big city 1929 - Franz Waxman/Max Colpet
Falling In Love Again 1930 - Friedrich Hollaender
It’s All A Swindle 1931 - Mischa Spoliansky/Marcellus Schiffer
The Smart Set 1931 - Mischa Spoliansky/Marcellus Schiffer
Mack The Knife 1928 - Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht
Surabaya Johnny 1929 - Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht
Marike’s Song 1932 - Hans Eisler/Bertolt Brecht
Chuck Out The Men 1926 - Friedrich Hollaender

Encores (not for publication)
Speak Low 1941 - Kurt Weill/Ogden Nash
Cabaret 1966 - John Kander/Fred Ebb

"I was struck by Carewe’s capacity to live the songs rather than merely sing the words together with the even rarer ability of giving the impression that she is singing directly to you."
Seenandheard-international.com

" Vocalist Mary Carewe is glorious."
The Guardian