Madama Butterfly: Arena di Verona — 100th Opera Festival
About the Event
'Un bel dì, we shall see' Madama Butterfly, Giacomo Puccini's famous 'Japanese tragedy,' will make a grand return to the Arena in Franco Zeffirelli's evocative staging, enhanced by the exquisite costumes designed by Oscar winner Emi Wada. For a span of four evenings, from August 12 to September 7, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this timeless masterpiece. So, prepare your kimono and keep your handkerchiefs close at hand, as emotions are bound to soar.
'Madama Butterfly' (Madame Butterfly) is an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini, with an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa.
The libretto of the opera is based partly on the short story 'Madame Butterfly' (1898) by John Luther Long, which was dramatized by David Belasco.
After seeing a performance of the one‐act play 'Madame Butterfly' in 1900, Puccini conceived an idea of adapting it for an opera. This poignant tragedy about the love between a Japanese girl and an American sailor became the three‐act opera that premiered at Milan’s La Scala Opera Theatre in 1904. To add an element of realism, Puccini vigorously researched Japanese music and his librettist, Illica, even travelled to Japan.
Act 1
Nagasaki, Japan. Pinkerton, an officer in the American Navy, has arranged to take a Japanese wife, Cio‐Cio San. Sharpless, the American consul, advises Pinkerton that his actions are hasty, but Pinkerton ignores this advice.
Cio‐Cio San is the 15 year old daughter of a samurai family. Her father committed ritual suicide rather than face dishonour, ruining the family. Cio‐Cio San is pleased at her upcoming wedding, and has secretly become a Christian to please her new husband. Her relatives, who are Buddhist, sever connections with her due to her conversion. Pinkerton consoles his bride.
Act 2
Pinkerton returned to America three years ago. Cio‐Cio San believes that he will return. Sharpless visits her with a letter from Pinkerton, but can’t bring himself to reveal the contents of the letter, seeing her happiness with her child and her hope. Sharpless leaves, and Cio‐Cio San confirms that an American battleship to which Pinkerton is assigned is entering port at Nagasaki. She radiantly awaits his return.
Act 3
Cio‐Cio San has a sleepless night, but Pinkerton doesn’t come. While she and the child rest, Pinkerton and Pinkerton’s 'real' wife, Kate, appear in front of the house. Cio‐Cio San's maid, Suzuki, tells them of Cho‐cho‐san’s innocent belief in a happy future. Pinkerton is filled with regret, and quickly departs leaving Kate to talk to Cio‐Cio San. When Cio‐Cio San sees Kate, everything becomes clear to her. Kate offers to take in Pinkerton’s child, but Cio‐Cio San refuses unless Pinkerton comes himself to take his child.
Pinkerton returns, but too late — Cio‐Cio San has already committed ritual sicide, killing herself with her father’s dagger.
Practical Information
Included are:
- Ticket to the opera performance in the chosen category
- One month's free access to a premium classical music streaming service
- self‐guided audio tour of Verona in English
Cast / Production
REGIA E SCENE: Franco Zeffirelli
COSTUMI: Emi Wada
MOVIMENTI COREOGRAFICI: Maria Grazia Garofoli
DIRETTORE: Daniel Oren
MADAMA BUTTERFLY CIO‐CIO SAN
Aleksandra Kurzak 12 agosto
Maria José Siri 25 agosto
Asmik Grigorian 02, 07 settembre
SUZUKI
Elena Zilio 12, 25 agosto 02, 07 settembre
KATE PINKERTON
Clarissa Leonardi 12 agosto
Marta Pluda 25 agosto 02, 07 settembre
F. B. PINKERTON
Roberto Alagna 12 agosto
Angelo Villari 25 agosto
Piero Pretti 02, 07 settembre
SHARPLESS
Gevorg Hakobyan 12, 25 agosto 02, 07 settembre
GORO
Matteo Mezzaro 12, 25 agosto 02, 07 settembre
IL PRINCIPE YAMADORI
Italo Proferisce 12, 25 agosto 02, 07 settembre
LO ZIO BONZO
Gabriele Sagona 12, 25 agosto 02, 07 settembre
IL COMMISSARIO IMPERIALE
Gianfranco Montresor 12, 25 agosto 02, 07 settembre
L’UFFICIALE DEL REGISTRO
Stefano Rinaldi Miliani 12, 25 agosto 02, 07 settembre
Customer Reviews
5.0 of 5
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Philippe T, France
Sep 2023
Mise en scène +++ et Asmik Grigorian excellente
