Celebrating 78 Years of Sin

The origin of sin is oftentimes traced back to Eve’s time in the Garden of Eden, but on this date (June 7th) in 1933, a new look at sin was introduced at the famed Parisian Théatre des Champs-Elysées with the premiere of Kurt Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins.

This satirical opera of seven scenes was the last collaboration of Kurt “Mack the Knife” Weill and librettist Bertolt Brecht. The story follows the split personality of Anna (who is known as Anna I, the singer, and Anna II, the dancer) as she travels through seven American cities over seven years. Anna gathers money during her travels to send to her family so that they can build their dream home. However, she is confronted with a different Biblical sin—sloth, pride, wrath, gluttony, lust, envy, and greed—at each stop along the way.

Though originally received with amazement in Paris, especially since the opera was in German, the opera went only to London in 1933. The Seven Deadly Sins then went unperformed until the 1950s when it was revived by Weill’s widow, Lotte Lenya, who originated the role of Anna I, the singer.

Below, check out the Prologue in this unnamed film version of The Seven Deadly Sins:

After Central City Opera’s July 16 and July 24 performances of The Seven Deadly Sins, be sure to indulge in a progressively sinful experience—SinFest. 

Follow the alluring fire-dancer Melinda Rivers to an indulgence of edgy dance from Ballet Nouveau Colorado, slam poetry from Ken Arkind and LuciFury, experiential art like the sin graffiti wall and a photography exhibit of the sins directed by Mark Sink, co-founder of the MCA Denver. The night then unleashes gluttonous fare including decadent desserts and tasty bites from Kevin Taylor and sips of the 7 Deadly Zins wine from Michael David Winery.

On July 16 and 24, SinFest starts with the opera at 4 pm and continues through 8:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now for just $50 (including the opera) and a party bus is available for an extra $20. Jump on the bus at the Four Seasons downtown for a glass of bubbly or beer and head up to sin in style. The bus heads up to Central at 1:00 pm and leaves Dostal Alley at 9:00 pm. For tickets, please call (303) 292-6700 or visit www.centralcityopera.org/sinfest for more information.
 

Eve may have been the first to sin, but she certainly won’t be the last. Make your way through the temptation with Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins and the alluring SinFest.