Manon Lescaut

*Manon Lescaut*, Giacomo Puccini's opera from 1893, is currently newsworthy due to its return to the Liceu. The opera, Puccini's first major operatic success, is based on the same story as Massenet's opera of the same name, but Puccini famously argued that Manon could have more than one lover, leading to a bolder, more Wagnerian interpretation. The current production at the Liceu is generating both enthusiasm and discord, suggesting differing opinions on its staging or interpretation. The opera's return highlights the enduring appeal and continued relevance of Puccini's work, while also sparking debate about its artistic merit and how it is presented to modern audiences. One article mentions a blurring of lines between high and low culture, possibly in reference to the audience or staging of the opera.