Cabaret Voltaire & Hugo Ball

Cabaret Voltaire

Cabaret Voltaire was the name of a nightclub in Zurich, Switzerland. It was founded by Hugo Ball, also with his companion Emmy Hennings on February 1st, 1916 as a cabaret for artistic and political purposes. Events at the cabaret proved pivotal in the founding of the anarchic art movement known as Dada.

 

Switzerland was a neutral country during the World War 1 and among were artists from all over Europe. Cabaret Voltaire. Under this name a group of young artists and writers has been formed whose aim is to create a centre for artistic entertainment. The idea of the cabaret will be that guest artists will come and give musical performances and readings at the daily meetings.

 

Hugo Ball

Hugo Ball was born February 22nd, 1886 in Primasens, German Empire and died September 14th, 1927 in Sant'Abbondio, Switzerland due to stomach cancer. He was a German author, poet and one of the leading Dada artists.

At the beginning of the First World War he tried joining the army as a volunteer, but was denied enlistment for medical issues. After witnessing the invasion of Belgium, he was disillusioned saying: "The war is founded on a glaring mistake, men have been confused with machines".



Hugo Ball's Poem, "Karawane"