A Berlin Kabaret! is a cabaret-style performance of political songs from the first half of the twentieth century (many of them by Brecht) which remain disarmingly relevant for today.

Four travellers singing powerful songs, rediscovering long lost gay rights anthems and American propaganda songs. Capturing the political turmoil of the Weimar Republic, witty and rebellious, these songs still resonate powerfully.

The show reflects on on personal and political dilemmas in response to the current refugee crisis, fragmentation of society, in the search for sanctuary and solidarity.

Five star performers sing songs of resistance, love and exile reminding us that “those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

As well as the professional cabaret, the show will feature a short contribution which is being developed in workshops with the homeless (members of Crisis Skylight): Words as Weapons: Two worlds collide. 1920s Berlin v Oxford 2018; powerful poems by Bertolt Brecht alongside provocative new voices.

Performances are on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 April (Friday and Saturday of 0th week). On the Saturday at 5pm there is also an event with Tom Kuhn, David Constantine and Sue Parrish (Artistic Director of Sphinx Theatre) – a discussion with readings of the role of women in Brecht’s life and work.

Tickets are available from the Old Fire Station website:

https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/a-berlin-kabaret/

https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/bertolt-brechts-true-protagonists/