Jewish Contributions during the Weimar Republic, Dance to the Abyss

Koffler Arts co-presents with the Art of Time Ensemble this second program in the lead up to Dance to the Abyss: Music from the Weimar Republic, a concert to be performed on February 23, 24 and 25, 2024.

This free talk by Dr. Peter Harris focused on the Jewish contributions during the Weimar Republic, between the end of the Imperial period in 1918 and the beginning of Nazi Germany in 1933.

Kaiser Wilhelm II’s abdication in 1918 ended the oppressive German Empire. Into that vacuum surged not only political and economic turmoil, but also a veritable tsunami of artistic, cultural, and scientific creativity. Some highlights include: The Bauhaus design school that opened in 1919, The “1st International German Dada Fair” that opened in 1920, Quantum Theory highlights the “Golden Age” of Physics in the 1920s, German film became internationally renowned with hits like Nosferatu (1922) and Metropolis (1927), Radical music innovations, such as atonality, challenged the accepted canon; and, “Epic Theatre” revolutionized theatrical experience.

In this richly illustrated talk, Dr. Harris will speak about prominent Jewish scientists and cultural figures in Weimar Germany, many of whom went on to make a name for themselves in the West.

To purchase tickets for the concert, please click HERE.



Dr. Peter Harris is the former Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science of the University of Toronto. A former senior lecturer in the University’s German Department, Dr. Harris has also served as a Special Lecturer in the new Vic One Program at Victoria College. In these different capacities, he has lectured on topics ranging from German Film to Expo ’58, from the German Reichstag Building to Rosie the Riveter. Peter was the Program Coordinator and Lecturer for U of T’s Later Life Learning. He has lectured for the George Brown Seniors Association, LifeLong Learning Mississauga, Bluewater Association of Lifelong Learning in Owen Sound, Life Long Learning in Retirement at Glendon College, and at Hot Docs Curious Minds series.