Change the World (2019)
Bertolt Brecht Songs And Poems
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On 14 and 15 September 2019, Gavin Friday joined an ensemble of international artists at Dublin’s National Concert Hall for *Change the World: Bertolt Brecht Songs and Poems for 2019*. Part of the NCH’s Perspectives series, the two-night event reimagined the politically charged works of German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht, featuring compositions by Kurt Weill, Hanns Eisler, and Paul Dessau. The performances resonated with contemporary themes of social unrest and cultural upheaval.
The lineup included Ute Lemper, Blixa Bargeld, Meow Meow, Camille O’Sullivan, and Cathal Coughlan, with musical direction by Terry Edwards and production by Gary Sheehan.
Each artist brought their unique interpretation to Brecht’s repertoire, blending music and spoken word to explore themes of resistance and humanity.
Gavin Friday’s performances were noted for their theatrical intensity, reflecting his longstanding engagement with Brecht’s work. His interpretations added depth to the evening’s exploration of Brechtian themes.
This event continued Friday’s tradition of engaging with Brecht’s oeuvre, following his earlier productions such as *Ich Liebe Dich* (2001) and *Tomorrow Belongs to Me* (2006), further cementing his role in bringing Brecht’s legacy to contemporary audiences.
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Singers:
Ute Lemper
Gavin Friday
Blixa Bargeld
Meow Meow
Camille O’Sullivan
Cathal Coughlan
Band:
Terry Edwards, horns, musical director
Michael Blair, drums and percussion
Eric Mingus on bass
Rod Melvin, keyboards
Vana Gierig, keyboards
Paul Cuddeford, guitars
Songlist
CHANGE THE WORLD
BAND
Overture – Change The World
Poem: Potsdam – Blixa
CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN
I Came to Town
Nana’s Lied
Ballad of Sexual Dependency
Mack the Knife
Poem: Falada – Meow
CATHAL COUGHLAN
We All Make The Bed We Must Lie In
Ballad in Which Macheath Begs All Mens’ Forgiveness
Song of Mother Courage
The Liquor Dealer’s Dream
Mother Beimlein
Poem: Bidi’s view of the great cities – Camille
MEOW MEOW
The German Misere
The Love Market / Ach bedenken Sie Herr Jakob Schmidt
Song of the Big Shot – Lied der harten Nuss
To the little radio
Poem: The thrift of the rich – Cathal
GAVIN FRIDAY
What keeps Mankind Alive?
The Benares Song
The Ballad of the Drowned Girl
Army Song
BLIXA BARGELD
Einheitsfrontlied – In German
Bilbao Song – In German
Hosianna Rockefeller
Poem: God of War – Gavin
UTE LEMPER
On Brecht / Salomon Song
Pirate Jenny
Eisler Medley
Tango Ballad with Gavin Friday
Sourabya Johnny
Mandelay
