this might be a really stupid question but.. 3penny

[zzannahk]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 1:10am

how did 3 penny change so drastically from the 1954 edition? more specically, the tango which was performed at the tonys vs. the tango on the remastered cd. and why on the london cd is it called the knocking shop tango? thanks

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 1:38am

What specifically do you see as drastic changes between the two? I might be able to better answer your question if I have a better idea of what elements to which you are referring (ie.- costumes, period, vocals, translation, etc.).

In general, though, while some academic and regional productions often mimic the 1954 production and use Bliztein's translation (from that same production), major revivals have tended to give the piece something bold and new (as they should). This current revival is most notably different because of Wallace Shawn's fairly modern, blunt, and vulgar translation in combination with very stylistic costumes and lighting (casting a male in the role of Lucy was also a striking new choice, and an effective and thrilling one in the hands of the great Brian Charles Rooney). The storyline, however, remains the same and many traditional Brechtian or Epic devices are used to their full potential.

Hope that helps!

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 1:52am

Knocking Shop is British slang as part of the DONMAR (WAREHOUSE) recording of the show.

Since the show was originally in German, just about every new production (big, professional types that is) comes with a new translation or adaptation.

The Donmar recroding sets the show in the future, calling the "brothel" the "knocking shop."

I believe Brecht labeled the song as "Zuhälterballade" or Tango-Ballade.

Then the Donmar called it "Knocking Shop Tango" and now it's called THE BALLAD OF THE PIMP.

[zzannahk]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 3:19am

the tango ballad in the 54 version is very tame compared to what they sang at the tony's, am i missing a step? was the show rewritten or retranslated very differently?

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 3:52am

Yes, the current Roundabout Theatre Co. revival uses an entirely NEW translation written by actor/writer Wallace Shawn.

"Tame" is probably the perfect word to describe how Blitztein's translation appears next to Shawn's.

[zzannahk]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 5:43am

so to anyone who knows the work, is it a "new" translation?? or are they just making stuff up, then or now?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 9:37am

I can't believe this topic is just now coming up. Where have you all been?

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 12:54pm

Yes, it is a NEW translation.

It's up to the translator how close to Brecht's original they want to stay.

There are many different German-isms that Brecht used. Things that can't be translated into English literally.

So many different translators have to choose how to translate the piece.

Remember, the 50's were a different time. Something "wild" then may be considered "tame" today.

[zzannahk]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 11:28pm

I can't believe this topic is just now coming up. Where have you all been?

I went out and bought the remastered cd, because i liked the performace at the tony's. i had no idea how different it would be from what they sang.

[ZONEACE]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 11:35pm

Threepenny was a mess.

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 11:41pm

zzannahk- Yes, it's a NEW translation.

zoneace- what was a mess to you was enthralling, entertaining, and provocative to me. Different perspectives are really something, arent they? =)

[zzannahk]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 11:44pm

dammit there should be a freaking disclaimer on the cd that it is a different version. you cant return opened cds.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 11:47pm

Oh, lord.

Keep the CD!

All of the Threepenny CDs are special.

(Why should there be a disclaimer? That sucker came out 52 years ago!)

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 6/20/06 at 12:05am

The recording certainly has some wonderful qualities, despite your disappointment over the translation. Try to enjoy it for what it is...

...and hope that you'll have the chance to purchase a recording of the production whose performance on the Tony Awards inspired you to go out and purchase a Threepenny Opera CD!