Emmy Ball-Hennings

Emmy Ball-Hennings, originally named Emma Maria Cordsen, was a pivotal figure in the Dada movement and a prominent German poet and performing artist. She co-founded the influential Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich alongside her second husband, Hugo Ball, where she became known as the 'star of the show.' Her performances and writings were characterized by their avant-garde style and exploration of the absurd, reflecting the tumultuous cultural landscape of post-World War I Europe. Ball-Hennings' work often blurred the lines between art and life, and she played a crucial role in shaping the Dadaist ethos of challenging traditional artistic norms. In addition to her contributions to Dada, Ball-Hennings authored a best-selling novel and inspired various creative works, including graphic novels and short films. Her legacy has seen a resurgence in recent years, as she is increasingly recognized not just as a muse but as a central artistic figure in her own right. Family member Julian Schütt noted her unexpected re-emergence in contemporary culture, highlighting her significance in the early twentieth-century avant-garde scene and her lasting impact on modern artistic expression.