Duration
Puccini’s heartbreaking tragedy returns as breathtaking staging, world-class sopranos, and a shimmering onstage moat turn Madama Butterfly into Sydney’s most atmospheric opera event.
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Puccini’s famed opera, adapted from Belasco’s play and suited to opera lovers and newcomers alike, blends romance and betrayal in one of the world’s most enduring classics in Sydney.
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Globally acclaimed sopranos Guanqun Yu, Vittoria Yeo, and Olivia Cranwell lead this production, supported by celebrated conductors Andrea Battistoni, Erina Yashima, and Paul Fitzsimon.
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Moffatt Oxenbould’s staging returns with sliding paper panels, floating candles, and a real moat, creating an arresting backdrop which is "beautiful and moving" (Sydney Morning Herald).
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Themes of hope, desire, and sacrifice unfold through the soaring score, from Un bel dì vedremo to the Humming Chorus, which brings emotional depth to Madama Butterfly.
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Playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater, this season brings a fresh interpretation to Puccini’s score. Book tickets to the Madama Butterfly opera in Sydney now!
The story
Set in early 20th-century Nagasaki, Madama Butterfly follows Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who enters a fragile marriage with U.S. naval officer Pinkerton. Believing deeply in love and reinvention, she builds a future around his promised return, even as family, tradition, and shifting loyalties close in. Themes of devotion, cultural divide, and hope drive the drama forward. As ships gather in the harbour once more, her faith faces a shattering test, and everything hangs on what she chooses next.
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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Show details
Categories: Opera, Classic, Drama, Critics' choice
Audience: Suitable for all ages
Theater name: Joan Sutherland Theater
Find the best seats in the house with the Joan Sutherland Theater seating plan
Theater facilities: Bars, restrooms, cloakroom, foyer lounges, water refill stations, café, onsite dining at the Opera House precinct
Theater accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible restrooms, companion seating, lift access, hearing-assist devices, step-free routes, mobility drop-off points near the forecourt
Dress code: Smart casual
Cast & crew
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Leading roles:
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Keyboard: Amy Hsu
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Cio-Cio-San: Guanqun Yu (Jan 3–Feb 4), Vittoria Yeo (Feb 7–Mar 7), and Olivia Cranwell (Mar 11–Mar 25)
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Pinkerton: Robert Watson (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Oreste Cosimo (Feb 7–Mar 25)
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Suzuki: Sian Sharp (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Angela Hogan (Feb 7–Mar 25)
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Sharpless: Samuel Dundas (Jan 3–Feb 4), Luke Gabbedy (Feb 7–Mar 7), and Warwick Fyfe (Mar 11–Mar 25)
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Goro: Virgilio Marino (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Michael Petruccelli (Feb 7–Mar 25)
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Bonze: David Parkin (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Gennadi Dubinsky (Feb 7–Mar 25)
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Kate Pinkerton: Jane Ede (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Chelsea Burns (Feb 7–Mar 25)
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Yamadori: Leon Vitogiannis (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Alexander Hargreaves (Feb 7–Mar 25)
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Director: Moffatt Oxenbould AM
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Composer: Giacomo Puccini
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Conductors: Andrea Battistoni (Jan 3–24, Mar 7–14), Paul Fitzsimon (Jan 29–Feb 4, Mar 18–25), and Erina Yashima (Feb 7–Mar 3)
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Set & costume designers: Russell Cohen and Peter England
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Lighting designer: Robert Bryan
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Movement & revival director: Matthew Barclay
Additional info
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This show is suitable for all ages.
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Content warning: The production contains some adult themes.
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Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
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Most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.
Frequently asked questions about Madama Butterfly
Q: How much do tickets to the Madama Butterfly opera in Sydney cost?
A: Prices vary based on your choice of seats and show dates.
Q: Where is Madama Butterfly playing in Sydney?
A: The opera is playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater at the Sydney Opera House.
Q: How long does the performance run?
A: The opera lasts for about 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one interval.
Q: What’s the story about?
A: The opera follows Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who marries U.S. naval officer Pinkerton and waits faithfully for his return, unaware of the heartbreak ahead.
Q: Is the show suitable for children?
A: There is no strict age limit, the opera is suitable for all ages. However, the production contains some mature themes.
Q: What are some popular musical moments in the opera?
A: Highlights include Un bel dì vedremo, the Humming Chorus, and the love duet from Act I.
Q: Why is Madama Butterfly considered one of Puccini’s greatest works?
A: Its lyrical score, emotional depth, and enduring themes of love, culture, and sacrifice have made it a global favorite for over a century.
Q: Is this production historically traditional or modern?
A: Moffatt Oxenbould’s staging leans toward traditional aesthetics with Japanese-inspired costumes, sliding panels, and atmospheric candlelit design.
Q: Are there language surtitles available?
A: Yes. The opera is sung in Italian with English surtitles.
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You will receive an email with your Madama Butterfly voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
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