Mademoiselle Fifi (opera)

During its performing history it was also known under the title Женщина из Руана [Ženščina iz Ruana) = The Woman from Rouen].

The opera was widely performed in Imperial Russia and had special significance during World War I, largely because of its patriotic connotations in the struggle against Germany.

Despite this success and an adaptation produced during World War II, this opera seems not to have remained in the standard operatic repertoire afterwards in Russia and not to have been performed in the West.

On a rainy day during the Franco-Prussian War, German soldiers occupying a château in France send for some "ladies" from the nearby town.

Then Rachel sings a patriotic song, provoking Fifi to boast that Germany will conquer not only France, but also her women.