“Come Out of the Ghetto”: Theater Brühwarm and the Gay Movement of the 1970s

Founded in Hamburg in the 1970s, the gay theater "Brühwarm" toured Germany with its musical cabaret. Founding member Corny Littmann wrote the lyrics and Rio Reiser ("Ton Steine Scherben") provided the music. The result was a new form of theater as a political tool. In the documentary, former members of the theater have their say and give an impressive account of how the theater group, with its emancipatory and political aspirations, fought for gay rights in the turbulent political times of the 1970s.

Directed by Kevin Harry Schwarzstein, “Come Out of the Ghetto”: Theater Brühwarm and the Gay Movement of the 1970s leans on a strong ensemble — Corny Littmann, Claus Plänkers, Götz Barner — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2024.