Beggar's Opera

The Beggar's Opera, written by John Gay in 1728, is a satirical musical that plays on popular ballads of its time. It offers a witty, sometimes critical view of society, particularly focusing on criminals, corruption, and the lower classes, while featuring characters like thieves, beggars, and criminals. The story is set in London and uses song and dialogue to parody traditional opera, highlighting the moral and social issues of the era. Its clever humor and catchy tunes have influenced later musical theater and satire, making it a pioneering work in combining music with social commentary.