Théâtre de la Sinne, March 15

After Colmar, Les Mamelles de Tirésias stopped at the Théâtre de la Sinne on March 15 before continuing its regional tour in a light, mobile format. The two-piano reduction, created in 1955 by Benjamin Britten with Viola Tunnard, allows Francis Poulenc’s opera to circulate easily without losing its sharpness.

Set on a stylized seaside backdrop, the staging by Jean-François Kessler embraces the work’s playful and surreal nature, unfolding with fluid, almost choreographic movement. The colorful designs by Emmanuelle Bischoff and the precise lighting by Arnaud Viala support this dynamic flow.

The performance relies on the strong commitment of the Opéra Studio de l’Opéra national du Rhin ensemble. Under the musical direction of Sandrine Abello, pianists Anaëlle Reitan and Thibaut Trouche bring energy and clarity to the score.

Vocally, the cast stands out for its cohesion. Jessica Hopkins offers a lively Thérèse, while Pierre Romainville gives the Husband both clarity and presence. Thomas Chenhall brings a darker tone to the Gendarme, and Eduard Ferenczi Gurban, alongside Iannis Gaussin, delivers precise and well-characterized interventions. Inès Prevet and Brigitta Listra complete the ensemble with elegance.

Source: Opera Magazine
By David Verdier, April 2, 2026