Marlene Dietrich, a German actress, cabaret entertainer and singer of the mid-1900s, will be brought back to life at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in “The Moons of Venus,” a musical event about her life.The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and the German Consulate General are sponsoring the production in PepsiCo Recital Hall.

Dietrich began her career in Germany in the 1920s and came to Hollywood in the 1930s. After refusing to return to Germany, Dietrich became an American citizen in 1937.

She starred in multiple Hollywood movies in the ’30s and, with disdain for the Nazi party, toured and performed for the U.S. troops during World War II.

In the later part of her career, Dietrich toured internationally as a cabaret performer.

Karen Kohler, a performer from New York City, will be sharing signature interpretations of songs from Dietrich’s films, United Service Organizations tour and cabaret performances.

A German-American in her own right, Kohler has done this performance both in Germany and around the United States.

Scott Williams, an associate professor of German, encouraged students to attend.

“The show represents a cultural exchange between the U.S. and Germany in a positive sense,” Williams said.

“This event with be a broadening of horizons as students observe the life and love of a cultural icon on two continents.”

Because of generous sponsoring from the German Consulate in Houston and various departments at TCU, the production is free to the public and seating is first come, first served.

– Kim Tesarek