Masterclass Program

Alan Kogosowski shares his knowledge and experience of presenting musical performances effectively to audiences all over the world to young people across Victoria together with outstanding singer/cabaret artist Galit Klas, in schools and performing arts centres.

Together they have created a musical-theatre production entitled Edith and Marlene, featuring the songs and story of Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich, through which they are able to bring to young people and everyone today a timeless story of friendship, dedication, determination and inspiration.

Performances at a number of locations in Victoria, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Colac, Shepparton, Geelong, Hamilton, Sale, and others, as well as Melbourne, are planned.
Edith and Marlene is the story of a deep and inspiring friendship. Audiences are moved and motivated by the life and music of Piaf, her struggles with physical problems, and her emotional triumph over these with support from close friends such as Marlene Dietrich and others. They also learn about the associated history, encompassing as it does the Second World War. All audiences are inspired by this uplifting story and memorable music.

In keeping with the tradition started by Alan Kogosowski when he founded the Masterclass Program in 2009 as a Program through which performers can share insights into performance techniques with the younger generation, students learn about the art and craft of music-theatre production – skills which will not only aid in their own efforts in their school productions, but also equip them with valuable communication skills.
This special project embodies an innovative approach to storytelling and traditional musical and theatre performance. It is neither stage play nor concert, but an amalgam of the two, using both music and theatre as well as narration and photography in order to communicate to audiences, and especially to young people, an important area of human expression and of 20th century history which today’s generation will benefit by knowing and understanding.

Edith and Marlene has been such a success when performed thus far that Kogosowski and Klas have planned similar productions based on inspirational lives underpinned by great music – Liza and Judy, Fred and Ginger, Frederic and George.
This innovative Program has the potential to become a permanent part of Victoria’s cultural and community life. With the inspirational and transformative nature of the project, enthusiasm has already been indicated by major support groups. Corporate sponsors as well as government support will place this project in a position where it may eventually branch out interstate and overseas, but for now the focus is on Melbourne and Victoria.

Funds are needed for hire of performing arts centres, piano transportation, sound and lighting equipment, back projections, artists’ travel and accomodation, publicity and advertising. The Australian Cultural Fund, a government initiative administered by Creative Partnerships Australia, offers tax deductibility to all supporters of the Masterclass Program:
https://australianculturalfund.org.au/projects/masterclass-and-concert-program-2017/