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The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant
85
English
Synopsis
Petra von Kant is a successful, arrogant fashion designer. She lives with her submissive assistant, Marlene. When a beautiful younger woman, Karin, arrives, Petra becomes obsessively in love with her. The relationship is a power struggle: Petra dominates, Karin manipulates, and Marlene silently suffers. Karin eventually leaves, and Petra collapses emotionally, begging Marlene to stay. Marlene silently packs her bags and walks out, leaving Petra alone. The opera is a raw study of lesbian desire, toxic personality, and emotional collapse, all set entirely in Petra’s bedroom.
Composer
Gerald Barry
Lyricist / Librettist / Playwright
Denis Calandra (English version by the composer) – based on Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s play
Year of composition/publication / premiere
2005
Genre
Opera
LGBTQAI+ category
Lesbian
Level of centrality
Main character
Characters
Petra von Kant (fashion designer), Karin (young lover), Marlene (silent assistant, also in love with Petra)
Voice type
Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano
Pronouns
she/her
Publisher / Rights holder
Schott Music
Where to buy / access the work
Performance rights
For performance rights, please contact the composer and/or publisher to ensure legal compliance.
Official website
Audio recording(s)
Video performance(s)
Keywords
Gerald Barry, Petra von Kant, Fassbinder, lesbian, toxic love, chamber opera, power dynamics, sadomasochism