A NOTE FROM MADDIE
The world of the Weimar Republic is one of glamor and intrigue. 1920s and 1930s Berlin was a place of great artistic innovation and social progress matched by few places in Europe at the time. The Nollendorfplatz, where Cabaret takes place, was an especially unique area of Berlin. It was home to a major LGBTQ+ community which encompassed countless clubs, drag bars, and LGBTQ+ publications. Unlike other European and American cities at the time, much of these publications remained uncensored and police involvement in these underground establishments remained minimal. Although police involvement was not as frequent, raids on clubs did happen and increased in severity as the politics of Germany became more conservative.
We too live in a period of artistic innovation. The “golden age of streaming” has presented us with so many unique and engaging voices. Movies on the smaller screens also continue to push the artistic boundaries as the community behind the camera
becomes more diverse. LGBTQ+ culture is becoming more mainstream as well, exemplified by the popularity of RuPaul’s Drag Race and entertainment focusing exclusively on LGBTQ+ stories. There are so many beautiful stories being told and we are privileged enough to be able to experience them from the comfort of our own couches. As the world outside seems to change faster than we can adapt to it, the modern entertainment industry provides a welcome mental and emotional break. Although we may not be going to jazz clubs as often, we still seek to find these pockets of separation and safety.
I hope you'll enjoy this journey into entertainment’s past and find a moment to catch your breath in our theater.