Madama Butterfly

Based on a short novel by John Luther Long, this opera is laced in Japanese charm where two very different worlds collide in dramatic intensity. With Puccini, there are climaxes within climaxes with grand musical statements that take your breath away. Robert Wilson’s unique, and sometimes baffling experiments with light, language, movement, and properties blossom in Puccini’s ‘slow poetry of the soul’. The aesthetics of the production, largely in acting, takes its inspiration from Butoh, a Japanese form of dance characterized by slow motion, poetry and minimalism. Wilson and choreographer Suzushi Hanayagi develop a large palette of gestures, poses, and patterns, typically called kata which instead of illustrating the words, comment on them. A pillar of the Paris Opera’s repertoire, the pure lines of Robert Wilson’s production open the season like a blue-tinted dream.

The Story

A United States naval officer, Pinkerton, is on duty in Japan. He takes a house located on top of a hill, overlooking the beautiful Nagasaki harbour, on lease. He marries a 15-year old Japanese girl, Ciocio-san, for convenience and intends to leave her as soon as he finds an appropriate American wife. Ciocio-san is unaware of his motives, and is excited at the prospect of marrying an American. Soon, their wedding takes place at their home.

Pinkerton leaves for the United States shortly after the wedding and forgets all about his young and innocent Japanese wife. Ciocio-san waits for her husband to return, unaware of his true intentions. Three years later, Ciocio-san still awaits the return of Pinkerton. Her maid, Suzuki tries to convince her that he will not return, but Ciocio-san refuses to listen to her. The marriage broker, Goro, who got Ciocio-san married to Pinkerton attempts to find other suitors for her, but she refuses to listen to him too. Soon, she learns that Pinkerton is going to return to Japan. Is Pinkerton going to return as the same man who left? Or has he found an American wife that is undoubtedly going to break Ciocio’s heart? Can he salvage the terrible situation that he has created for himself?

Good for

Lovers of Classical Music | Fans of Giacomo Puccini | Opera Fans

Critics Review

“This is primal opera. A dramatic culture clash set to the most ravishing and evocative music, Butterfly is the best of the best.” - Houston Press