Puccini's Madam Butterfly
Madama Butterfly is an opera in three acts (originally two) by Giacomo Puccini, with an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. The opera is based in part on the short story "Madame Butterfly" (1898) by John Luther Long, which was then based on stories told to Long by his sister Jennie Correll and partially on the semi-autobiographical 1887 French novel Madame Chrysanth�me by Pierre Loti. The Premiere took place in 17 February 1904 in La Scala's Milan. In 1907, Puccini made his final revisions to the opera in a fifth version, which has become known as the standard version and is the one which is most often performed around the world, in three Acts. This is the version the ENO is presenting. Ticket prices start at �25.
Day after day, week after week, month after month, she waits for him. She knows that a love as perfect as hers, as pure and powerful, could never fail to bring him back, across the ocean. He will return. She is sure he will. One fine day.
Madam Butterfly is one of opera's most enduring tales of unrequited love. With its breathtaking mix of cinematic images, traditional Japanese theatre, colourful costumes and stunning sets, Anthony Minghella's Olivier Award-winning production has been hailed as 'the most beautiful show of the year' (Sunday Telegraph).
Richard Armstrong conducts Puccini's heart-rending score. The superb cast is led by American soprano Rena Harms as Butterfly and British tenor David Butt Philip in his role debut as Pinkerton.
'Ravishingly beautiful' Evening Standard
Madam Butterfly cast and creative team
Conductor Sir Richard Armstrong / Martin Fitzpatrick (Jul 5 and 7)
Director Anthony Minghella
Associate Director/Choreographer Carolyn Choa
Revival Choreographer Anita Griffin
Revival Director Sarah Tipple
Set Designer Michael Levine
Costume Designer Han Feng
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