West Bay Opera
Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
Synopsis
Three criminals onthe run decide to create a city where people can do
anything, as long as they have money. No one works, and pleasure is the
order of the day. The opera explores scenarios of greed, gluttony, lust,
and a justice system where running out of money is the only capital crime.
The heroine, Jenny, a prostitute, and Jimmy, a lumberjack, become lovers,
and debauchery reigns supreme throughout the city. Of course there is
also a madam, Mrs. Begbick. Though they all somehow survive a typhoon,
things take a turn for the worse when Jimmy is sentenced to death for
his debts. As he is executed, the city incorporates other commercial
ventures to support the insatiable greed of its inhabitants.
21 May, 2000