WHO IS EMCEE?
He is the master of ceremonies.
He is the character who brings the musical together.
Having read 'Goodbye to Berlin' by Christopher Isherwood and then reading the script of Cabaret, the adaptation of the novel there are some significant differences. For example the names of the characters have changed but throughout both you can tell which characters are similar or are a representative of the original characters. The character of Emcee could be likened to the character of Fritz as he seems very extravagant and exciting. 'Goodbye to Berlin' uses the character of Fritz to represent Sally Bowles exciting lifestyle and the party scene in Berlin. However in 'Cabaret' he is represents the downfall in Berlin. He intercepts the la-de-da parts of the script to remind the audience that money is a large part of what fuels the lifestyle in Berlin and it determines your status. He sings about greed, vanity and the war between Jews and Nazis. His characterisation emphasises the flaws within Berlin during the 1920's and 30's because he is a man wearing a lot of make-up and delivers his act in an ironic manner so that the audience laugh but never really think about what he is saying.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AdEuEAVn5yC8YOFeHECIRLGP55a5RX8-Un0813AX7bTmc-MQ1ZrIKkKOVdBlK-m2dKqlX4ZchWpCPu1BD776tzI4fC2DmzM4ia_9oTegnWQ1fT8uZUxEu2Peh_h0tnIY5RlaH0g264Wz/s1600/emcee+cabaret.jpg Blogger- Emcee- 12/10/14)
He flaunts and flirts with the girls he is performing with to put on a good show. I am torn between whether I think he is ignorant to how he behaves. Or whether he is so caught up in the Berlin lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and sex that he doesn't know how else to be. In many ways he could be seen as the narrator because he can take a step back from the Sally Bowles facade.
During the 1930's transgender was just beginning to thrive in the clubs of Berlin. This is why I think the characterisation of Emcee as a cross dresser is perfect for his role as it puts his character into context. At the time everyone was trying new things and it was accepted.
I found this website that explained the progression of transgender and its acceptance from the 1920s-1930s. It really shows how the idea of Cabaret really fits into the context of the time.
http://www.bilerico.com/2008/02/transgender_history_into_the_modern_age.php
During the 1930's transgender was just beginning to thrive in the clubs of Berlin. This is why I think the characterisation of Emcee as a cross dresser is perfect for his role as it puts his character into context. At the time everyone was trying new things and it was accepted.
I found this website that explained the progression of transgender and its acceptance from the 1920s-1930s. It really shows how the idea of Cabaret really fits into the context of the time.
http://www.bilerico.com/2008/02/transgender_history_into_the_modern_age.php
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