Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini

I
For the American marine officer Pinkerton, the hastily arranged marriage to geisha Cio-Cio-San - Madame Butterfly - is an exotic adventure, but Butterfly is so earnestly committed to the union that she denounces the religion of her ancestors and converts to Christianity.
The American consul warns Pinkerton that there may be serious consequences, but he laughs off all objections. Butterfly’s family keeps them company for a long time after the ceremony, until the arrival of her uncle Bonzo, a Japanese priest.
He curses Butterfly who is promptly disowned by her entire family.
II
Three years later. Pinkerton had returned to America soon after the wedding and had not been in touch once.
Butterfly had given birth to his son and patiently awaits his return, even though her maid Suzuki and Goro the matchmaker are trying to convince her otherwise.
Sharpless reads out a letter in which Pinkerton says he is on his way to Japan, with his new American wife.
He advises Butterfly to accept prince Yamadori’s proposal, which she indignantly refuses. Pinkerton’s ship arrives; Butterfly and Suzuki prepare a festive welcome.
III
Pinkerton feels guilty when confronted with his child and avoids the confrontation.
Kate Pinkerton, Sharpless and Suzuki convince Butterfly that the child would be better off leaving for America with his father.
Butterfly, in her desperation, agrees on the condition that Pinkerton collects his son in person.
Butterfly commits suicide the moment Pinkerton arrives.

Program and cast

Creative Team:

Frank Van Laecke

Stage Director

Federico Santi

Conductor

Paul Gallis

Set design

Yan Tax

Costume design

Cast:

Barbara Haveman

Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly)

Cecilia Violetta López

Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly)

Rosario La Spina

Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton

Konstantinos Klironomos

Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton

Marco Moncloa

Sharpless, American consul

Albrecht Pöhl

Sharpless, American consul

Emilio Marcucci

Official

Piet Vansichen

Oom Bonzo