This month we’re celebrating the birthday of Lotte Lenya (1898-1981), who would have been 122 on October 18. What better way to commemorate the occasion than to read, watch, and listen to an array of her career highlights!
Watch The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone
Lenya was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her role as a conniving countess who manipulates an aging actress (Vivien Leigh) and a young Italian gigolo (Warren Beatty).
Listen to Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill American Theatre Songs
Lenya’s 1957 Columbia recordings, along with songs from Brecht on Brecht and Cabaret. Plus, versions of “Mack the Knife” backed by Turk Murphy and Louis Armstrong.
Read Lenya, The Legend: A Pictorial Autobiography
An illustrated account of Lenya’s life and art in her own words with over 300 photographs, many from her private collection.
Watch a One Hour TV Interview
Lenya discusses her life and career in this rare one-hour interview with Schuyler Chapin from 1979.
Listen to Two Legends: Kurt Weill and Lotte Lenya
The On the Aisle radio program will air a 1957 interview with Lenya about Weill’s career, along with excerpts of Weill’s works throughout. Available for streaming starting October 5. Funded in part by the Kurt Weill Foundation Grant Program.
Read Speak Low (When You Speak Love): The Letters of Kurt Weill and Lotte Lenya
Selected as a New York Times Notable Book of 1996, this collection of intimate correspondence gives a backstage view of one of history’s most provocative public pairs.
Listen to Diagonal on Ö1
An Austrian series that will feature a two-hour episode devoted to Lenya’s life and career. Streaming live on October 10.