Opera, Theatre perform ‘Threepenny Opera’

“The Threepenny Opera” tells the story of the beggar-master, Peachum, who loses his daughter to the swindler Macheath, known as “Mack the Knife.” In retelling John Gay’s 18th century “The Beggar’s Opera,” Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht satirize capitalism and political corruption.

Dark, witty and sexy, the action takes place in the underbelly of Victorian London, ruled by beggars, thieves and prostitutes, where every character would sell out another for profit or advantage. “Threepenny Opera” is considered a masterpiece of musical theater that grew out of the writers’ experience of Weimar Germany.

The University Opera and University Theatre combine forces to bring the production to the stage beginning Friday, Nov. 5, in Vilas Hall’s Mitchell Theatre. Performances will continue Saturday, Nov. 6; Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 11-13; and Saturday-Monday, Nov. 18-20.

Opera director William Farlow says this production will challenge all involved, from student technical support to audience members to re-evaluate their views of society.

“If you didn’t know the work was written in 1928 you’d think it was about today’s society,” he says. “As unfortunate and unpleasant as the sentiments expressed in ‘Threepenny,’ they are still things we encounter every day. It is a provocative play in the best sense of the word — it makes us think. This is the best kind of art.”

It also offers the students in the production direct experience as to what a life in the theater will be like. Master of fine arts candidate Molly Rebuschatis, for example, plans to pursue a career in costume design.

“Designing this show helps me grow as an artist and as a person, and this particular show has been a very positive experience. I’m working with a great group of people, and we’ve taken an interesting conceptual approach to the piece,” she says, referring to the fact that the production takes the action back to its original London setting, but during the reign of Queen Victoria, rather than the 18th century of Gay’s version.

Tickets, $18 general/$10 UW–Madison students, are available through the Vilas Hall Box Office, 262-1500.