Mahagonny

Mahagonny, also known as Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, is an opera in three acts by Kurt Weill with a German libretto by Bertolt Brecht. The opera premiered in 1930. It tells the story of a fictional city founded by criminals and prostitutes who establish a society based on pleasure, greed, and the pursuit of happiness. The city's creed is summarized by the phrase "You shall not," which is systematically inverted to "You shall." The central character, Jenny, and her companions arrive in Mahagonny, drawn by the promise of wealth and uninhibited living. However, the city's moral framework is ultimately challenged by the arrival of Paul Ackermann, a man who struggles with financial ruin and faces a trial for his inability to pay for a hurricane he supposedly caused. The opera critiques capitalist society and its values, exploring themes of consumerism, morality, and the illusory nature of happiness. The music, composed by Weill, blends popular styles with avant-garde techniques, creating a distinctive and often dissonant soundscape. Mahagonny remains a significant work in the operatic repertoire, known for its provocative themes and its enduring relevance.