The Berliner Ensemble, founded by Bertolt Brecht, brings its legendary The Threepenny Opera to Shanghai for the first time in Asia. Directed by acclaimed Barrie Kosky, this production fuses sharp social satire, iconic music, and striking stagecraft. Audiences can experience a timeless tale of love, betrayal, and morality, performed by one of the world’s most prestigious theatre companies.

Founded in 1949 by Bertolt Brecht, the Berliner Ensemble revolutionized theatre with its pioneering “epic theatre” style, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary stagecraft. The Threepenny Opera, originally premiered in Berlin in 1928, was an overnight sensation that transformed musical theatre, combining John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera with Brecht and Elisabeth Hauptmann’s writing and Kurt Weill’s unforgettable score.

This new production, directed by Barrie Kosky, former Artistic Director of Komische Oper Berlin, reimagines the work for modern audiences while preserving its biting critique of capitalism, dark humor, and morally complex characters. With dazzling silver-spangled sets, precise choreography, and memorable musical hooks, Kosky and the Berliner Ensemble elevate each scene into a visually and musically immersive experience. The Shanghai West Bund Theatre hosts this Asia premiere, making it a rare opportunity for audiences to witness the enduring power of Brecht and Weill’s masterpiece up close.

• Stage & Dance