CSUN Opera: Threepenny Opera and The Old Maid and the Thief

Dylan F. Thomas – Stage Director

Dr. Alexander Landsburgh & Dr. John Roscigno – Music Directors

Dr. Hugo Vera – Producer

We have a compelling production lined up for the spring of 2025! By juxtaposing Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s “The Threepenny Opera” with Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Old Maid and the Thief,” we are setting the stage for a rich exploration of themes that resonate with today’s societal issues.

The 1950s setting adds a fascinating layer of complexity, as it was a time characterized by strict gender roles and a burgeoning sense of individualism. While “The Threepenny Opera” critiques the capitalist system and the moral decay it engenders, it also invites viewers to reflect on the marginalized voices within that system—especially the women who grapple with their desires and societal constraints. This period of transition can serve as an apt backdrop for discussing how those old societal constructs of gender and power remain relevant.

Menotti’s libretto in “The Old Maid and the Thief” amplifies the exploration of gender dynamics and moral ambiguity, diving into the darker sides of human nature, particularly those associated with women. The line referenced, “The devil couldn’t do what a woman can – make a thief out of an honest man,” speaks volumes to the theme of power—specifically, the power dynamics between genders and the societal roles that dictate morality.

By choosing these operas, we are not just exploring narratives of betrayal, corruption, and love; we’re also lifting the veil on the complexities of female agency during this era. The compelling contrast of traditional roles against the backdrop of personal desires and societal expectations will resonate with contemporary audiences.

It will be a thought-provoking and engaging experience for our audience.