The Threepenny Opera

Wedding preparations are underway in London’s underworld. Macheath, a charming and extremely dangerous criminal, is about to marry Polly Peachum—against the wishes of her parents. The Peachums are hardly innocent themselves, and know the city’s darker corners better than anyone. When the marriage is discovered, a ruthless power struggle begins: who will betray whom, who will buy whom, and can love survive in a world where everything is for sale and morality is a matter of money? Just as the noose tightens and the end seems inevitable, something happens that should never happen—but does anyway…

The Threepenny Opera is Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s legendary masterpiece, which revolutionised theatre in the early 20th century. It broke the illusion, mixed cabaret, opera and political satire, and forced audiences to look at the world without polished scenery. Its iconic songs (recorded in versions by, among others, Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong and Nick Cave), colourful cast of characters and sharp humour reveal the structures of society in a way that is as entertaining as it is ruthless.

Today, The Threepenny Opera still strikes painfully close to home. The power of money, class conflict and the cruel consequences of inequality have not disappeared—they have only changed form. On the Main Stage of Lahden kaupunginteatteri, directed by artistic director Lauri Maijala, this classic comes to life as a biting, fiercely energetic musical that reveals what our wellbeing is made of, and who ultimately always pays for it. In Lauri Maijala’s direction, the iconic songs, colourful cast of characters and sharp humour expose these structures with gleeful brutality.

Premiere 9 September 2026
Main Stage

Original work: Bertolt Brecht (text) – Kurt Weill (music), in collaboration with Elisabeth Hauptmann
Director: Lauri Maijala
Conductor: Antti Vauramo
Set design: Minna Välimäki
Costume design: Joona Huotari-Andreou
Choreography: J enni Nikolajeff
Lighting design: Kari Laukkanen
Sound design: Tommi Raitala
Make-up design: Anu Reijonen

Cast: Annukka Blomberg, Tomi Enbuska, Jori Halttunen, Henrik Hammarberg (guest), Laura Huhtamaa, Mikko Jurkka, Vilma Kinnunen, Aurora Manninen, Saana Rautavaara (guest), Nenna Tyni, Henna Wallin, Veeti Vekola
Photo: Raana Lehtinen
Running time: approx. 2 h 45 min, including an interval
Recommended for audiences over 15.
Performance rights: Nordic Drama Corner Oy / Universal Edition AG
In collaboration with Stora Enso / Outi Honkavaara