THE EAGERLY AWAITED RETURN OF THIS
ACCLAIMED SELL OUT PRODUCTION
MADAM BUTTERFLY
THE SPECTACULAR ‘IN THE ROUND’ PRODUCTION
STAGED IN AN ENCHANTING JAPANESE WATER GARDEN
"Not to be missed"
EVENING STANDARD
"Beautiful"
SUNDAY TIMES
No opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly.
Set in Japan at the turn of the century, this tale of the doomed love of
an American naval lieutenant and his young Japanese bride inspired
Puccini to write some of his most sublime and beautiful music.
The differences in attitudes and styles of East and West are skilfully woven
together in Puccini’s ravishing score. The magnificent love duet which closes
the first act and Butterfly’s celebrated solo ‘One Fine Day’, in which she shows
her unwavering belief that Pinkerton will return to her, are just two of the greatest
moments. And when, after several years, Pinkerton eventually returns with his
American wife, Butterfly realises she has been betrayed and the opera moves
to its powerful and tragic conclusion.
Since its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in February 1998, this truly
sensational production of Puccini’s tragic masterpiece has left an indelible
impression on the hearts and minds of over four hundred thousand people,
receiving the highest critical acclaim wherever it has been performed. By huge
popular demand this unique and spectacular ‘in the round’ staging of
Madam Butterfly now returns to London. Once more the floor of the Royal Albert Hall
will be flooded with water to create David Roger’s stunning design where
Madam Butterfly’s house is perched on stilts above the shimmering surface
of a traditional Japanese water garden.
Madam Butterfly is sung in English using the highly acclaimed translation by
Amanda Holden, and is directed by renowned opera and theatre director
David Freeman. Oliver Gooch conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and
a distinguished cast with the title role being shared by
Mihoko Kinoshita, Jee Hyun Lim, and Hye-Youn Lee.