Hagen Rether in Berlin

Hagen Rether is a German political cabaret performer and pianist, born in Bucharest in 1969 and raised in Freiburg. His work addresses politics, religion, consumer culture and social hypocrisy through extended monologues, dry humour and music. Before beginning his solo work, he spent several years as the pianist in stage shows led by cabaret artist Ludger Stratmann. In 2003, he premiered his own programme and has repeatedly revised its material to address changing events. He delivers the show at a grand piano, alternating spoken passages with music, and every version retains the title Liebe.