Marlène Dietrich cabaret: the journey of a queer icon

a political, literary, and musical cabaret by Emilie Pictet

German actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, born in 1901 and the unforgettable portrayer of Lola-Lola in “The Blue Angel”, pioneered an aesthetic of ambiguity—a fusion of glamour, masculinity, and femininity—that foreshadowed 21st-century queer identities.
This cabaret explores the transgressive journey of one of the 20th century’s most powerful queer icons, from her Prussian bourgeois origins to her status as an international star, via the queer clubs of 1920s Berlin. Marlene transformed the tuxedo into a political statement and the stage into a place of defiance against fascism. May her spirit of radical freedom live on!

Featuring Émilie Pictet, singing and acting; Claudette Plumey, acting; and Lady Ricart on piano

Émilie Pictet, a multidisciplinary artist trained in theater and opera singing, has pursued an international career as a soloist for more than fifteen years. Alongside her opera work, she has developed a unique creative approach, exploring the biographies of unconventional women (Grisélidis Réal, Anne Frank, Marlene Dietrich) or drawing inspiration from influential literary works (Marie Galante, The Seven Deadly Sins, Thank You, Berlin!). Her career has been marked by prestigious collaborations with leading figures on the international scene, including Olivier Py, Calixto Bieito, Vera Nemirova, Irène Jacob, and Macha Makeïeff.

Lady Ricart is a drag queen who is a regular on the Parisian nightlife scene. A fiery queen with sharp wit and an anise-tinged complexion, she loves poetry, fine wine, and all things queer. Her slightly bourgeois side doesn’t make her any less modest when she’s suddenly overcome by a desire for nudity. Lady, at your service!