Hanns Eisler’s life was the story of exile. The brilliant Austrian, Jewish, Marxist composer fled to Hollywood in 1938, only to be deported a decade later, an early casualty of the McCarthy era. Between film scores, he wrote these passionate songs of nostalgia, horror and longing, adapting lyrics by Brecht, Goethe and Shakespeare. Despite his troubles, this song cycle established Eisler’s reputation as one of the 20th century’s great composers of German lieder.

Hell’s Fury, The Hollywood Songbook portrays a day in the life of Eisler, from his arrival in Hollywood to his death in East Germany using the songs of Hollywood Songbook to weave the story together.

​

Staging and Concept by Tim Albery

Design by Michael Levine

Lighting by Thomas Hase

Video by Cameron Davis

Costume by Michelle Tracey

Costume Coordinator: Beatriz Arevalo