Image for Les Mamelles de Tirésias (The Breasts of Tiresias)

Les Mamelles de Tirésias (The Breasts of Tiresias)

Les Mamelles de Tirésias (The Breasts of Tiresias) is a surreal opera by Francis Poulenc that blends music, drama, and satire to explore themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and human desire. Inspired by a mythological story, it portrays a woman who transforms into a man, challenging traditional gender boundaries. Through humorous and provocative language, the opera critiques societal norms around sexuality and identity. Its avant-garde style combines lively music, exaggerated characters, and striking visuals to create a thought-provoking, often playful reflection on human nature and social conventions.