Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
Kurt Weill
Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is regarded as one of the most radical works of twentieth-century music theatre, with librettist Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill not only exposing the pitfalls of societal life, but also questioning the very genre of opera itself. Musically, Weill bridges the gap between opera and the popular music of his time. In Barrie Kosky’s production, the city of Mahagonny becomes a kaleidoscope of human shortcomings.
In the heart of the desert, three fugitive criminals establish the city of Mahagonny. This ‘paradise city’ has its own rules for living life, fueled by the wealth of men passing through from the Gold Coast. Eating, loving, boxing, and drinking are the order of the day. However, this idyllic utopia soon begins to falter, as natural disasters, excesses, violence, and corruption push the city to its breaking point.
In the heart of the desert, three fugitive criminals establish the city of Mahagonny. This ‘paradise city’ has its own rules for living life, fueled by the wealth of men passing through from the Gold Coast. Eating, loving, boxing, and drinking are the order of the day. However, this idyllic utopia soon begins to falter, as natural disasters, excesses, violence, and corruption push the city to its breaking point.
Act 1
On the run from the police, the widow Leokadja Begbick founds the city of Mahagonny together with Trinity Moses and Fatty the »Bookkeeper«. With cheap booze, women and the promise of an idyllic life, this »new paradise« is supposed to attract workers from the Gold Coast, bringing a steady flow of cash into the coffers of the trio. To begin with, the idea is a hit, and Mahagonny grows rapidly. Jim Mahoney, Jack O’Brien, Joe and Bill, four lumberjacks from Alaska, are among the new arrivals. As soon as they arrive, Begbick sends the men to the brothel, where Jim picks out Jenny.
On the run from the police, the widow Leokadja Begbick founds the city of Mahagonny together with Trinity Moses and Fatty the »Bookkeeper«. With cheap booze, women and the promise of an idyllic life, this »new paradise« is supposed to attract workers from the Gold Coast, bringing a steady flow of cash into the coffers of the trio. To begin with, the idea is a hit, and Mahagonny grows rapidly. Jim Mahoney, Jack O’Brien, Joe and Bill, four lumberjacks from Alaska, are among the new arrivals. As soon as they arrive, Begbick sends the men to the brothel, where Jim picks out Jenny.
Despite the low prices, the founding trio don’t manage to keep the masses in Mahagonny. Jim isn’t happy in the city either. The quiet life with its rules and prohibitions is not enough for him. When a devastating typhoon descends upon the city, Jim quickly takes charge and declares that from now on, everything goes – so long as you can pay for it.
Act 2
Miraculously, Mahagonny is spared by the storm, but the new law remains in force. The deep-pocketed men can now indulge their proclivities for boozing, feasting, womanising and boxing unabated. Jack eats himself to death. Jenny has to deal with a stampede of johns. Joe is beaten to death in a boxing match. Jim is left penniless after the bout, having put all his money on his mate. When he decides to pay for another round anyway, he comes up short. Which means he has broken his own law and is taken into custody.
Act 3
The next day, Jim is awaiting his court case. Tobby Higgins, who is up on murder charges, bribes the court and is declared not guilty. Jim has no such luck. Neither his old friend Bill nor Jenny are willing to help him. So Jim is found guilty and sentenced to death. After his execution, God comes to Mahagonny and wants to condemn the inhabitants of the city to hell. When they refuse, chaos breaks out.
Opera in three acts [1930]
Libretto by Bertolt Brecht
Libretto by Bertolt Brecht
In the repertoire since October 2, 2021
Recommended from grade 9
German
3hr incl. intermission