The Threepenny Opera

Preparations for a wedding are underway in London’s underworld. Macheath, a charming and extremely dangerous criminal, is about to marry Polly Peachum—against the wishes of the bride’s parents. The Peachums are hardly innocent themselves, and know the city’s dark corners better than anyone. When the marriage comes to light, a ruthless power game 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 the legendary masterpiece by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill that revolutionised theatre in the early 20th century. It shattered illusion, blended cabaret, opera and political satire, and forced audiences to look at the world without polished scenery. Its iconic songs (recorded in versions of their own by, among others, Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong and Nick Cave), a dazzling cast of characters and sharp humour expose society’s structures in a way that is as entertaining as it is ruthless.

Today, The Threepenny Opera still hits painfully close to home. The power of money, class conflict and the cruel consequences of inequality have not disappeared—they have only changed their form. On the Main Stage of Lahden kaupunginteatteri, directed by theatre director Lauri Maijala, this classic comes to life as a biting, fiery musical that reveals what our wellbeing is made of, and who ultimately always pays for it. With iconic songs, a dazzling cast of characters and sharp humour, Lauri Maijala’s production exposes these structures with gleeful, unflinching honesty.

Opening night: 9 September 2026
Main Stage

Original work: Bertolt Brecht (text) and 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 intermission
Recommended for audiences aged 15 and over.

Performance rights: Nordic Drama Corner Oy / Universal Edition AG
In collaboration with Stora Enso / Outi Honkavaara