Quinault and Lully’s lyrical tragedy Atys (1676) was the subject of several parodies. Orneval and Fuzelier’s parody was created after Atys was staged again in 1725.

The 'Grand-mère amoureuse' (grandmother in love) is the goddess Cybele, the mother goddess. The plot of the parody follows that of the original lyrical tragedy, but it does so on a comical tone, both summarising and trivialising it: the allegories of the Fleuves (Rivers) become the Porteurs d’eau (Carriers of water); the allegories of the Rivières (Tributaries) and the Fontaines (Fountains) become washerwomen. Atys (Attis) is played with Pierrot’s puppet, and Cybèle with Arlequin’s. In the final scene, Cybèle does not change Atys into a pine tree: instead, she changes her rival Sangaride into a hen, and Atys into a capon.

The performance was preceded with a Harangue de Polichinelle au public (Polichinelle’s Exhortation to the audience).

Atys (Attis) tells his cousin Sangaride that she is going to marry the prince Célénus (Celænus); then they both confess their love for each other. Having fallen in love with Atys, the goddess Cybèle (Cybele) declares her love to him in a dream. Believing that Atys is unfaithful, Sangaride agrees to marry Célénus. Atys opposes the marriage and flees with Sangaride. To punish Atys, Cybèle commands Esculape (Asclepius) and his apothecaries to drive him insane. Blinded by madness, Atys kills Sangaride. When he realises his crime, Atys begs Cybèle to bring Sangaride back to life, which she does, but changing the young woman into a hen, and Atys into a capon.