Being a woman is … cabaret

Featuring Dagmar Gelbke and special guest Simone Kotowski.

Dagmar Gelbke has been on stage since 1959. 67 years full of stories, songs and experiences – that’s quite a lot to take in!

What happens when career dreams are shattered, the world suddenly changes, and yet you carry on regardless? When a singer becomes a cabaret artist, author and actress? When you survive a political upheaval, reinvent yourself in Western show business, and always retain your own sense of humour along the way?

Dagmar Gelbke tells stories, sings and

chats alongside singer and pianist Simone Kotowski about an eventful artistic life: of high hopes and minor disasters, of theatre, musicals, cabaret and her three books – with plenty of self-deprecating humour, cheeky punchlines and, of course, songs.

Simone Kotowski brings more than just her musical talent to the table: she is the daughter of cult musician Henry Kotowski, who founded the legendary beat group ‘Sputniks’ in the 1960s. She has inherited his musical talent, was a contestant on ‘The Voice of Germany’ in 2025 and is carrying on his musical legacy.

Dagmar Gelbke had already known Henry Kotowski from her early days in Berlin in the 1970s and has followed Simone’s artistic journey for many years. This connection has blossomed into a friendship – and the joy of bringing songs from back then back to life together.

For after a lifetime devoted to music and the stage, these two ladies know one thing for certain:

Being a woman is …

a challenge, an adventure, sometimes a trial – but above all a wonderful life’s work!

An evening of cabaret featuring stories, music and a good dose of life experience.

Dagmar Gelbke has appeared – and continues to appear – at the Altstadttheater Köpenick in productions including ‘We’re not old – but sexy!’, ‘BIG HELGA – Een kleenet Menschenkind’, ‘GDR – Resurrection of the Ruins’ and, coming soon, ‘Between Breakfast Eggs and Goose Fat’.