Madama Butterfly Jan 21st – 29th

Description

Madama Butterfly, one of the world’s most performed operas, makes its Charlotte run January 21 – 29, 2012 at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Show Description

Giacomo Puccini, Madama Butterfly
In Italian with English Subtitles
Production by Jun Kaneko

Some travesties are truer than others. This one begins in Japan on a flowing terrace above Nagasaki harbor. It is the turn of the 20th century — American imperialism is leaving a trail of casualties.

The enchanting Cio-Cio San, a former geisha known as Butterfly, enters into a 999 year arranged marriage with American naval lieutenant B. F. Pinkerton. Yes, the passion and tenderness are rich, but the contract’s monthly renewal option evinces its seriousness for Pinkerton. The storm brewing in the fragile psyche of Butterfly tells a different story however.

Despite the urgings of her confidants, dwindling funds, and the pursuit of a rich suitor, even after a three-year absence from her husband she insists he will return. There is a child after all. Surely he would want to be with his wife and son. Much to her excitement, Pinkerton returns and he indeed wants to be with his son. Unfortunately, it is to happen with his American wife who has accompanied him to Japan.

For Cio-Cio San there is no choice between living with disgrace and dying with honor. Releasing everything she loves, she raises the very blade her father used to fulfill his honor, and falls to her own devastating fate.

Presented by Opera Carolina

Cost: $15 – $135

Belk Theater: 130 North Tryon St, Charlotte, NC

www.blumenthalarts.org

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