Brechtfest VI Brings Bertolt Brecht’s Timeless Work to Life in New Orleans

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The Brechtfest VI, a celebration of German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht, returns to New Orleans this February with two nights of music, spoken word, and puppetry. Hosted at the Twilight Room at the Allways Lounge (2240 St. Claude Ave.), the event takes place on Monday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 11, with performances starting at 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 8:00 p.m.).

This year’s lineup features a rich blend of artistic talents. Presenters David C. Symons (accordion) and Harry Mayronne (piano and puppetry) will be joined by a stellar group of musicians, including Jennie Bret (cello), David Buchbinder (trumpet), Hannah Davis (percussion), Gabrielle Fischler (violin), Stoo Odom (upright bass), and Susanne Ortner (clarinet).

The program also includes performances by acclaimed artists such as Kitty Baudoin, Sarah Brecht, Bremner Fletcher, Karen Kunkel, Donald Lewis, Anna Laura Quinn, Stephanie Reed, and Chris Wecklein. Collectively, the performers bring an impressive range of credits, including appearances on Broadway, with the Berliner Ensemble, in the original production of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and at the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Festival. Local audiences may also recognize their work from the Allways Lounge productions of The Threepenny Opera and Happy End, co-produced with Cripple Creek Theatre Company.

The evening will highlight music by Kurt Weill, Hanns Eisler, David C. Symons, Harry Mayronne, and David Buchbinder, ensuring a dynamic mix of compositions to accompany Brecht’s legendary words.

In addition to celebrating Brecht’s artistry, Brechtfest VI supports an important cause. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Innocence Project New Orleans, an organization dedicated to freeing wrongfully convicted individuals and reforming the criminal justice system.

Event Details

  • What: Brechtfest VI: Works of Bertolt Brecht
  • Where: The Twilight Room at the Allways Lounge, 2240 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans
  • When: Monday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 11; shows at 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 8:00 p.m.)
  • Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 cash at the door