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 Chrysanthème 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.
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 (in Italian Madama Butterfly) is one of opera’s most enduring tales of unrequited love. Puccini’s poignant score follows the tragic tale of Cio Cio San, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with American naval officer Pinkerton, with devastating consequences.
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.
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