The online magazine Olyrix recently published a review of the new production of Les Mamelles de Tirésias by Francis Poulenc, presented by the Opéra national du Rhin at the Théâtre municipal de Colmar before beginning its regional tour. Written by Joël Heuillon, the article emphasizes the playful and surreal character of this opéra bouffe inspired by Guillaume Apollinaire’s famous drama.

The review highlights the lively and imaginative staging by Jean-François Kessler, which transforms the work into an energetic theatrical experience reminiscent of a musical comedy. Set in a colorful and summery atmosphere inspired by the 1950s, the production features constant movement on stage, with singers performing not only as vocalists but also as dancers, choristers, and even stagehands. The visual world created by Emmanuelle Bischoff through elegant costumes, mobile panels, and numerous stage accessories contributes to the dynamic flow of the performance, while the lighting design by Arnaud Viala carefully follows and enhances the action. The choreography and stage movement create a vibrant theatrical rhythm, turning the performance into a lively ballet of singers and characters that perfectly matches Poulenc’s witty and surreal musical language.

Within this spirited ensemble, the review also notes the performance of baritone Eduard Ferenczi Gurban, who appears in the roles of Le Directeur, Monsieur Presto and Le Fils. According to the article, he delivers “a solid, long and resonant voice, with careful pronunciation and an effective vocal characterization that clearly differentiates each of the three roles.” His performance contributes to the lively, dramatic momentum of the production and reflects the versatility required by this fast-moving and theatrical score.

Source: Joël Heuillon, Olyrix
Article: “Surréalistes Mamelles de Tirésias à l’Opéra national du Rhin”
Images: © Klara Beck

Read the original article on Olyrix