Die Dreigroschenoper is a play with music in a prologue and eight scenes based on The Beggar's Opera by John Gay, by Bertolt Brecht (text) and Kurt Weill (music) in collaboration with Elisabeth Hauptmann. Weill and Brecht wrote this satirical play in 1928. Almost a hundred years later, the socially critical work is as sharp and topical as ever.

Devious gangster Macheath (Mackie Messer) marries Polly Peachum, the daughter of the beggar king. Father Peachum tries to get Macheath sentenced to death to maintain his power. Betrayal, corruption and bribery show how this (under)world works. The opera begins with the world-famous Die Moritat von Mackie Messer and ends with an unexpected denouement.

Sensational entertainment that challenges the audience to look critically at society and morality.

Kurt Weill's iconic music explores the boundaries of musical theatre. Classical, cabaret, jazz and chanson merge into a timeless and unique experience. ‘Weill composes in a musical style that cannot be captured; it can rightly be called a connecting work of art,’ says musical director Enrico Delamboye. Die Dreigroschenoper excites and confronts in a dynamic, high-artistic way.

Opera Zuid has chosen theatre director Servé Hermans to direct. With Die Dreigroschenoper, he makes his debut as an opera director. None other than actor Maarten Heijmans performs the fearsome and seductive role of Mackie Messer.