Rigoletto/Animal Desire, a melodrama that explores male and female sexuality through Verdi's classic 1851 work, presents a theatrical and highly entertaining discussion on gender, the body, and power.

Francesco Maria Piave's libretto is supplemented by texts from Camille Paglia and Freud, with the ensemble dressing regardless of their biological gender. Helmets, blonde wigs, and stripper poles complement the 18th-century set design inspired by Confidencen. A very real snake slithers like sin while envelopes of pornography are distributed to the audience.