The Threepenny Opera is one of Brecht’s token works that provides a Marxist critique of capitalism. Ironically, it is also arguably his most famous and profitable, having major productions worldwide and multiple film adaptations. The book and lyrics are by Bertolt Brecht and the music is by Kurt Weill. The protagonist of the show, Macheath (or Mack the Knife), is a war veteran-turned-criminal who leads a gang of London thieves. He marries Polly Peachum, the daughter of the king of London’s beggars. Mr and Mrs Peachum are unhappy with this arrangement, so they conspire to have Mack arrested (twice) and sentenced to hang. However, in the deus ex machina to end all deus ex machinas, a messenger from Queen Victoria arrives with a royal pardon for Macheath, along with a knighthood and annual stipend.

Cast

Production Team and Crew