Lilian Klebow, Pal Sarközy, Roland Stonek & Bela Koreny - Illusionen - Theater Akzent - Wien - 2026

Theater Akzent, Wien

She is considered one of the most dazzling artists of the 20th century: actress, singer, author, and lyricist Hildegard Knef. A fascinating woman whose life and work were marked by successes, scandals, and unwavering creativity. She made her breakthrough with her role in the scandalous film *Die Sünderin*. Her career spanned decades—from Hollywood back to Germany, where she starred alongside great actors and quickly became a celebrated figure. In the 1960s, she took the music scene by storm with her unmistakably husky voice and her profound lyrics, becoming an icon of the German chanson. Lilian Klebow steps into the role of the unforgettable Hildegard Knef. For this production, Bela Koreny has compiled and edited extensive material from interviews and books by and about Knef. In a special conversation between Koreny and von Kessel, Knef’s original responses—poignant, surprising, and authentic—resound, casting the legend in a new light. Lilian Klebow sings songs such as “Für mich soll’s rote Rosen regnen,” “In dieser Stadt,” “Tapetenwechsel,” “Amsterdam,” “Aber schön war es doch,” and “Die Seeräuber Jenny,” among others. An evening full of memories of Hildegard Knef—surprising, touching, and fascinating. A discovery for a young audience, a tribute for connoisseurs. Much of what has been said, forgotten, or never spoken about her comes to life in this interview.

Book and Direction: Bela Koreny

Pál Sárközy – violin
Roland Stonek – guitar