Janine Tavoularis on Cabaret
Cabaret, to me, is a way of entertaining an audience in a friendly, caring and honest way. It is the telling of life's passions and loves, interpreting with colors and moods, fortissimos and pianissimos. It is exposing oneself with honesty and vulnerability, risking complete judgement by giving your all in a casual but sophisticated surrounding. My goal is to reach the audience with all my body and soul, to share my feelings, to dramatically intensify a song so that they may live or relive with me a moment in their lives, to shed a tear or break into laughter. Cabaret is a story set to music. Cabaret, Its Origin by Janine Tavoularis CABARET first appeared in Northern France in 1655. Ca - From the Greek word Kato meaning down or below Bar - From the French word Barre meaning a vertical separation (in this case a counter) where alcohol beverages are served Et - From the French meaning small or tiny "Cabaret" - The dictionary's definition (Fr. Pot House) meaning ale house or tavern A CABARET was usually found in France below a building where the less fortunate and the undesirable would frequent and party the night away. There was music, singing and dancing. This is where the famed "Apache Dance" was born. Soon, specialized talents were featured, such as jugglers, raconteurs (story tellers), singers introducing new songs, actors, etc. Later, the cabaret became "friendlier" whereby unknown talents became known and the has-been resurfaced to a new status. It was a place where one would take a mistress, where deals were made and dignitaries would go to be entertained. Emerging as a "boite de nuit" (or night club) with lavish and elegant decor, food and champagne, and orchestras and bands for the enjoyment of dancing, the caliber of talent became essential. The wealthy and the higher society were now being catered to. Monte Carlo and Las Vegas soon took over and...you know the rest of the story. Today, there are rooms all over all over the world for people who enjoy the closeness and intimacy of CABARET.
