Exploring the Radical Spirit of Weimar Germany: Drew Lichtenberg and the PostClassical Ensemble
The intersection of music, politics and theater comes to life in “Berlin in Lights: Cabaret, Jazz, and Radical Theater in Weimar Germany,” a production curated by Drew Lichtenberg and performed by the PostClassical Ensemble. This collaboration delves into the innovative atmosphere of 1920s Berlin, a period defined by a clash of ideologies and artistic experimentation.
The Vision Behind “Berlin in Lights”
Curated by Drew Lichtenberg and conducted by Angel Gil-Ordóñez, “Berlin in Lights” examines the creative fermentation of Berlin in the 1920s. The production highlights how the city served as a hotbed of innovation, blending diverse influences from both the East and West. The program incorporates elements ranging from the Bauhaus and Duke Ellington to Shostakovich and Leninist fight songs.
The production features musicians from the PostClassical Ensemble and soprano Melissa Wimbish. The project’s scope extends beyond simple performance, integrating music, writings, and life stories to evoke the era’s unique cultural landscape. The ensemble’s commitment to this period was further highlighted during the 2025-26 season launch at the Metropolitan Club, where Wimbish and Audrey Andrist performed renditions of Kurt Weill.
Who is Drew Lichtenberg?
Drew Lichtenberg brings a deep academic and professional background in theater politics and dramaturgy to the PostClassical Ensemble. He currently serves as the Artistic Producer at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. His expertise is rooted in the study of radical theater, most notably evidenced by his 2021 book, The Piscatorbühne Century: Aesthetics and Politics in the Modern Theater after 1927, published by Routledge, which explores the legacy of Erwin Piscator.
Lichtenberg’s career spans international borders and prestigious institutions. His freelance credits include:
- United Kingdom: Royal National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Almeida, and Young Vic.
- New York: The Public Theater, Roundabout Theatre Company, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and La Mama Experimental Theatre Club.
- Regional US: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Yale Repertory Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, McCarter Theatre Center, and Baltimore Center Stage.
In addition to his production work, Lichtenberg is a faculty member at Catholic University of America and Johns Hopkins University. He has also taught at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University and Eugene Lang College at the New School. His versatility as an adaptor is seen in his work on Max Frisch’s The Firebugs and Ernst Toller’s Hoppla, We’re Alive!
Key Takeaways: “Berlin in Lights” and Drew Lichtenberg
- The Project: “Berlin in Lights” is a curated exploration of Weimar Germany’s radical theater, jazz, and cabaret, featuring the PostClassical Ensemble.
- Artistic Leadership: The production is guest-curated by Drew Lichtenberg and conducted by Angel Gil-Ordóñez.
- Thematic Focus: The work bridges the gap between music and political history, focusing on the innovation of 1920s Berlin.
- Professional Pedigree: Lichtenberg is a published scholar on theater politics and the Artistic Producer at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Looking Forward
As the PostClassical Ensemble continues its 2025-26 season, collaborations like “Berlin in Lights” underscore a commitment to blending classical music with historical and political narrative. By leveraging the expertise of curators like Lichtenberg, the ensemble transforms the concert stage into a space for intellectual and cultural critique.