The Canadian Centre for German & European Studies (CCGES) at York University will host a special presentation on German cabaret by Georg Preusse, an acclaimed German cabaret and theatre performer, best known for his character "Mary". The event will take place on Monday, March 3, at 6:30pm, in the Renaissance Room, 001 Vanier College.
Working in the subgenre of travestie, a German counterpart of drag and an offshoot of the political cabaret tradition, Preusse will use this event to present and discuss a selection of clips of his performances. The evening will open with an introduction to contemporary German cabaret and the development of travestie by Tatyana Shestakov, CCGES diploma student and a York PhD candidate in humanities.
Right: Preusse in full character as Mary
After beginning his career as a female impersonator in the early 1970s, Preusse first came to prominence in the late 1970s as part of Mary & Gordy, a cabaret duo which set attendance records and helped elevate the standing of travestie in Germany. Preusse is credited for turning the artform into a mainstream theatrical genre.
In 1987, after a successful year-long tour of Europe, Preusse and his performing partner Reiner Kohler retired their act and Preusse launched his career as a solo performer. Subsequently, he has emerged as one of the most prominent German-speaking solo performers in the world.
His creative work, as a performer and writer, explores both political and social issues. His performances combine drama and comedy, songs and conference, and all are characterized by a strong connection with his audiences. Preusse has received numerous awards for his work as a travestie performer and has worked extensively as an actor in both theatre and television.
For more information see the CCGES Web site or e-mail Tatyana Shestakov at tatshes@yorku.ca. Preusse’s presentation is free and open to the York community.