The all-female rescue mission to Mars: my opera about a toxic tech bro takeover of the red planet

The news article discusses an opera by composer Jennifer Walshe that explores the theme of an all-female rescue mission to Mars, only to find their new world in the hostile hands of a corporate takeover. The article provides historical context, noting that prior to the Mariner 4 probe's flyby in 1965, Mars was thought to potentially harbor vegetation and life, but the images revealed a rocky, cratered, and seemingly lifeless planet. The article suggests that the way humans think about Mars reflects the "unstable mix of assumptions, hopes, dreams and anxieties" of each historical moment. Walshe's opera appears to grapple with these evolving perspectives on the red planet, including themes of low-gravity procreation and a corporate takeover of the Martian landscape. The article offers a glimpse into the inspiration and creative process behind this operatic exploration of humanity's relationship with Mars.