John Gay

Two criminal associates, Peachum and Lockit, argue over the division of profits and the ethics of their dishonest trade. The tension escalates into a physical confrontation before they realize that their mutual survival depends on their cooperation, as they both have the power to send each other to the gallows.

Mrs. Trapes, a fence and madam, negotiates the sale of stolen goods with Peachum and Lockit while complaining about the hardships of her trade. During the haggling, she inadvertently reveals the location of the wanted highwayman Captain Macheath, leading the two men to plot his capture for a reward.