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Walking the dog Theater

Presents

Yaga Kowalik of the Theater of French Song (from Krakow, Poland)

Barbara-The Story of a Life

An evening of French Chansons celebrating the Life of Barbara

September 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

At WTD/ Basilica Industria 110 S. Front Street in Hudson

An evening to benefit Walking the dog Theater
All seats $15

Purchase tickets online now by clicking here.

Barbara (1934-1997) was one of the greatest personalities of the French stage. An author and performer of over 150 unique compositions, Barbara lived and worked in the times of such personalities as Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, and Edith Piaf.

Born 1934 in Paris as Monique Andree Serf she grows up in the circle of her family: her father, Jacques, of Jewish Alsatian origin, her mother, Esther, her Russian grandmother, and her brother Jean. She is only five years old when the Second World War breaks out. Her childhood and youth is marked by constant escape and hiding from the Nazi occupation and the Vichy Government. This period had a predominant influence on her future life and work. Barbara became one of the most celebrated French Chanson singers of the 20th century, beloved by all generations for her sensibility, wit, and social conscience, as well as for her unique musical style.

Yaga Kowalik’s performance was prepared specially for the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Barbara’s death in 2007. Entitled “Barbara – Story of a Life”, it is a celebration of the singer’s unique oeuvre and shows particular stages of her biography through her songs: her childhood, love, war, and farewells.

Yaga Kowalik has so far been the only interpreter of Barbara’s songs in Poland, and all songs are sung by the artist in French. The beginning of the artist’s fascination with Barbara’s music was the invitation to record one of Barbara’s most beautiful hits, “Black Eagle”. Yaga Kowalik was invited by Gilles Pellegrini, ex-manager of Johnny Halliday’s group. In this way, the Krakow artist began to prepare and acquaint herself with these extraordinary songs. Yaga Kowalik has shown her performance of Barbara’s songs with great success in Poland and abroad. Learn more about Yaga Kowalik.

Walking the dog Theater is honored to present this fine artist and give audiences the opportunity to experience the work of Barbara.

I am delighted to announce that WTD will be hosting this evening of songs. As you may know, I am French, and Barbara's songs have been a part of my life for a long time. Her music is simply exquisite, as was her spirit. Generous, quirky, very feminine, compassionate, her songs bring beauty and the wistful sense of the French Chanson to us. I am looking forward to hearing Barbara’s songs brought to life by Yaga, and hope you will join us for this exceptional evening!
Benedicta Bertau, Artistic Director, Walking the dog Theater