Revealing the black humour, courage and wit of a people fighting to survive, fortyfivedownstairs in association with Kadimah Yiddish Theatre presents The Ghetto Cabaret by Galit Klas in a limited season from 1 August 2019.
Any night could be their last performance. Danger, disease and betrayal surround the Jewish musicians, singers, dancers, acrobats, opera and theatre performers thrown together and trapped in the Ghettos of WWII. But their fear is transformed into art as they try to create meaning out of the terror and chaos around them.
Featuring Yiddish songs composed in the ghettos that have remained unheard for decades, audiences are challenged to re-think the widely held narrative of Jews in WWII as helpless victims, and instead, to see them as spiritual fighters using theatre to inspire resistance, resilience and dignity in the worst of times.
Following the success of 33 Variations earlier this year, and an acclaimed production of Angels in America at fortyfivedownstairs in 2017, director Gary Abrahams re-teams with his 33 Variations collaborators Dann Barber (set and costume design) and Rachel Burke (lighting design), along with music director Scott Griffiths, to bring this vivid world to life.
Abrahams directs a stellar cast including Evelyn Krape (Malthouse Theatre’s Hello, Goodbye and Happy Birthday, Best Actress winner at this year’s Tropfest for Can You Hear Me?), Jim Daly (Bottomless and Café Scheherazade at fortyfivedownstaits, Rake on ABC), and Dimity Shepherd (recent Green Room Award winner for Melbourne Opera’s Otello).
Created by third generation survivors, The Ghetto Cabaret tells a daring story and re-writes the narrative of the Holocaust as a story for everyone and every time – the unifying force of art in times of oppression and division.
Director: Gary Abrahams Featuring: Jim Daly, Nelson Gardner, Galit Klas, Evelyn Krape, Joshua Reuben, Dimity Shepherd Musical Director / Pianist: Scott Griffiths Violinist: Alex Burkoy Choreographer: Leanne Marsland Set & Costume Design: Dann Barber Lighting Design: Rachel Burke Stage Manager: Cassandra Fumi Writer: Galit Klas
The Ghetto Cabaret
fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season: 3 – 18 August 2019 (previews: 1 & 2 August)
Information and Bookings: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
Image: The Ghetto Cabaret (supplied)