The Beggar's Opera

The Beggar's Opera

Digital Exhibits

John Gay's The Beggar's Opera uses caricature and parody to mock the corruption of both the upper class and the criminal underworld. Instead of noble heroes or virtuous leaders, Gay presents a world where thieves and politicians are barely distinguishable. The result is a comedic yet biting critique of class hypocrisy, performed through exaggerated behavior, role reversal, and familiar tunes reworked for political effect. This is a published art piece that satirizes aristocratic individuals who enjoy the opera. It is an aged piece of paper with a stage and theater etched onto it. There are people dressed in aristocratic clothing on the stage as well as in the audience. A cherub angel is flying above the stage that is holding a banner that reads, “et cantare pares et respondere paratce Harmony.” Which roughly translates to “and sing in harmony and respond with prepared harmony.”

John Gay

Britten Pears Arts

Dover Brooks

January 28, 1728

Kennesaw State University, Magdaline Marks

Public Domain

Ballad Opera

English

Text

Europe 18th Century

Ballad Opera, text on paper