Question: In what country is the musical Cabaret set?
Show answer
Germany.
“Cabaret” is a powerful and evocative musical that captures the decadence and impending doom of the Weimar Republic in the final days before the rise of the Nazi regime. The musical is set in Germany, specifically in the city of Berlin, during the early 1930s.
“Cabaret” was based on the semi-autobiographical novel “Goodbye to Berlin” by Christopher Isherwood. The story revolves around the world of the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy nightclub that serves as a metaphor for the hedonistic yet politically tumultuous climate of Berlin at the time. The club’s enigmatic and flamboyant Master of Ceremonies, known simply as the Emcee, provides a narrative link throughout the show and frequently breaks the fourth wall to engage directly with the audience. Through his eyes, we are introduced to the cabaret’s world – one of wild parties, unrestricted desires, and a stubborn blindness to the changing world outside.
At the heart of “Cabaret” is the love story between Sally Bowles, an English cabaret performer with dreams of stardom, and Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer seeking inspiration in Berlin. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a city in flux, with societal norms being challenged and political ideologies clashing violently in the streets.
As the musical progresses, the initial allure and glitz of the cabaret world fade to expose the harsh realities underneath. The looming threat of the Nazi regime becomes increasingly evident, infiltrating the lives of the main characters and the ambiance of the Kit Kat Klub. Characters like Herr Schultz and Fraulein Schneider, whose budding romance is threatened by anti-Semitic sentiments, provide a poignant reflection of the personal tragedies that were all too common during this period.
“Cabaret” doesn’t shy away from highlighting the complicity and indifference of many Germans, as well as expatriates, during the Nazis’ rise to power. The musical’s enduring success can be attributed to its stark portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse and its timely reminders about the dangers of apathy in the face of growing extremism.
In essence, while “Cabaret” offers dazzling musical numbers and captivating performances, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and the devastating consequences of turning a blind eye to intolerance and hatred.
