The Department of Theater and Dance at the UC Santa Barbara will present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s musical “The Threepenny Opera” running Nov. 15,-23 in UCSB’s Performing Arts Theater.

The play (adapted by Simon Stephens – “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”) is known for its darkly satirical commentary on capitalism, power and corruption.

Directed by Annie Torsiglieri, the dark-comedy will take audiences into a gritty underworld where the infamous antihero Macheath navigates the treacherous streets of the East End of London.

Brecht’s biting lyrics, paired with Weill’s jazz-infused score, create a timeless exploration of societal inequities that remains as relevant today as it was at its 1928 premiere.

“The Threepenny Opera challenges us to reflect on a world where desperate people are driven to survive, at all costs,” Torsiglieri said. “Where ultimately, those with the most power are those who get to tell the story.”

This production showcases the talents of UCSB’s students, supported by a creative team including Brad Carroll, music director; Jim Connelly, music improvisor; Christina McCarthy, choreography; and designers Alexa Behm (costume design), Darren McCroom (lighting design), and Fred Kinney (scenic design).

“The Threepenny Opera” features well-known songs like “Mack the Knife” and “Pirate Jenny.”

Performance dates and times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23; and 2 p.m. Nov. 16, 17 and 23.


Tickets are available online at [ticket link] or at the UCSB Theater box office. For more ticketing information, call 805-893-2064.