Alternative Cabaret Friday 23rd April

The Melting Pot – ‘Alternative Cabaret’
Friday 23rd April

The Melting Pot returns on April 23rd with the ‘Alternative Cabaret’, a unique and modern take on the cabaret scene of Berlin in the 1920's and 30's. The notorious Weimar era where decadence and indulgence reigned and the spirit of "anything goes" took on new meanings.

The times were turbulent, across the globe. The world was on the brink of a major conflict, but didn't quite know it.

Berholdt Brecht and Kurt Weill lead the way in the new cabaret, featuring the lowest of lives, and the highest of political ideals. Brecht, a committed Marxist, would flee Berlin in 1933 when Hitler took power. His works had already drawn Nazi displeasure and a number of works were banned. Brecht finally moved to America in 1941, where he continued to write against National Socialism and Fascism.

Kurt Weill, Brecht's musical composer on a number of their operas, was born into a Jewish family in Dessau in Germany. His association with Brecht, their attempt to put "the communist party manifesto to music", put him under direct threat from the Nazis. He fled to Paris in 1933 and finally settled in America.

On the 23rd of April The Melting Pot will relocate for one month only to the Oh Yeah Centre where it will endeavour to give you a taste of Weimar cabaret with a new and modern twist.

Local musicians have been busy working on songs from the time as well as modern equivalents (featuring works from Nick Cave, Tom Waits and others) and original songs. The line-up is impressive: The Sons of Robert Mitchum, Katie and the Carnival, Velma, Rory Nellis, Tracey Dempsey, Sara Dylan. Joining them will be Clare Palmer of FirePoise and local legend Jitterbug Jackson.

The whole event will be deliciously MC'd by Berlin-based performance artist Keike Twisselmann.

‘Alternative Cabaret’ Friday 23rd April. The Oh Yeah Centre, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast. Doors at 9pm. Entrance £4. Bar available.

As always LMHR will have an information stall, including literature and flyers highlighting local organisations dedicated to fighting racism, and promoting diversity.