Did you know the Lore-Lorentz-Schule in Dusseldorf wasn’t always called that? Before 1998 it was known as the Kollegschule Kikweg. This impressive school stands proudly on Fürstenwall. It’s a Berufskolleg a vocational college with a vocational high school. The Lore-Lorentz-Schule offers a wide variety of educational paths. Students can work toward both a state-recognized vocational qualification and a higher school-leaving certificate. Some pathways prepare students for apprenticeships in specific fields. Many students even continue their education at the Lore-Lorentz-Schule after completing one program. There are eight different paths to the Abitur the highest school-leaving certificate. The school is committed to helping students succeed. They’re fully supported by teachers throughout their journey.
The school is named after the legendary Lore Lorentz. She was a renowned cabaret artist and chanson singer. Born in 1920 she became famous for her work in cabaret and acting. With her husband Kay also a student of history philosophy and German studies she co-founded Das Kom(m)ödchen. This is Dusseldorf’s oldest famous politically-literary cabaret. It was the first German theatre to tour after World War II. It performed in England France the Netherlands Switzerland and the USA. Lore Lorentz became the heart and soul of Das Kom(m)ödchen a critical voice of German politics and contemporary history. She wrote plays essays and chansons. For decades she was a member of the theatre ensemble. She became a professor at the Folkwang University of the Arts. She performed solo programs featuring interpretations of the works of Heinrich Heine Bertolt Brecht and Erich Kästner. She is considered a Grande Dame of German cabaret. She was known for her excellent sense of timing and her artful use of pauses.
In 1976 Lore and Kay Lorentz refused the Federal Cross of Merit. From 1976 to 1978 Lore Lorentz taught chanson song and musical at the Folkwang University of the Arts. She continued with solo performances after leaving Das Kom(m)ödchen in 1983. She returned after Kay’s death in 1993 to take over the management. She passed this on to her son Kay Sebastian the same year. Lore Lorentz died in 1994. Her grave is next to her husband’s in the Heerdt cemetery in Dusseldorf. The square in front of Das Kom(m)ödchen is now called Kay-und-Lore-Lorentz-Platz. The Lore-Lorentz-Schule honors a remarkable woman a true icon of Dusseldorf. Its commitment to education mirrors her dedication to her art and her country. This school carries on her legacy. It helps students find their own paths to success.