Berliner Ensemble's rendition of The Threepenny Opera proves decidedly windswept and satirical
In the heart of Berlin, the Berliner Ensemble is currently playing host to a revitalised and critically acclaimed production of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's classic, Die Dreigroschenoper (The Threepenny Opera). Directed by Barrie Kosky, this production offers a fresh take on the original, set in Victorian London's criminal underworld, and is receiving a rating of ★★★★.
Key themes in this staging include social injustice and inequality, moral ambiguity, and survival, as well as atmospheric and visual contrasts. The production highlights the divide between those who live in darkness—figuratively marginalized—and others who exist in light or power, a core theme of Brecht’s original work. Characters navigate a corrupt society where the lines between criminals and respectable citizens blur, suggesting complex moral questions.
Kosky’s direction leverages lighting and staging to accentuate the thematic oppositions of light/dark and power/powerlessness. His background in opera and his interpretive style suggest a focus on expressive musicality combined with theatrical intensity, reawakening Brecht and Weill’s critical social commentary for contemporary audiences.
One of the standout performances is Gabriel Schneider's portrayal of the manic Mack, a role that he delivers with electric energy. Josefin Platt's rendition of 'Macky Messer' is particularly raucous, adding a new dimension to the production. Cynthia Micas shines as Polly Peachum, the would-be wife of Macheath, and her performance is filled with a palpable enthusiasm.
Tilo Nest interprets the character Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum, lord of the beggars and father of Polly, as a jester with menace, adding a layer of complexity to the production. The actors in the production have gained confidence through repetition, further enhancing the performance.
The production also includes English surtitles for audience understanding and often engages the crowd, vamping and calling out for responses, interrupting the diegetic narrative. This approach pulses with a naughty delight and gleefully eschews portentousness for camp.
The current Berliner Ensemble production of Die Dreigroschenoper serves as a reminder that it is an illusion, a dark comedy that offers a reprieve from the real darkness of the world. This revitalised production is a departure from the lugubrious predecessor performance from Robert Wilson, summoning a Weimar full of dread.
Currently in its 125th performance, the production is running at the Berliner Ensemble from July 11-14. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining night out, don't miss this production of Die Dreigroschenoper.
This thought-provoking and entertaining production of Die Dreigroschenoper, now in its 125th performance at the Berliner Ensemble, presents a dark comedy as a reprieve from the real darkness of the world. The staging, under Barrie Kosky's direction, explores themes of social injustice, moral ambiguity, and survival, and offers a fresh take on Brecht and Weill's classic, set in Victorian London's criminal underworld, for contemporary audiences.
