Threepenny Opera
Artist
Paul Davis
United States, born 1938
Date1976
MediumOffset Lithograph
Dimensions81 x 41 in. (205.7 x 104.1 cm)
ClassificationsPoster
Credit LinePoster House Permanent Collection
Object numberPH.6614
DescriptionPaul Davis’s image of Raul Julia as the infamous “Mack the Knife” in the Bertolt Brecht/Kurt Weill classic is both confrontational and arresting, blending elements of Socialist Realism with those of 19th-century portraiture. Unlike most theater advertising, this poster did not mention the stars, the director, or even that it was part of the Shakespeare Festival. We are only offered a title dripping blood and the location of the performance. This unusual decision was made by Papp, who wanted the posters to convey a sense of each play rather than merely sell tickets, understanding that the images would long outlast the productions. When Poster House moved into our building, a copy of this poster had been glued to the back wall by TekServe, the previous tenant.On View
Not on view
