Description

Ellen Kent: Madama Butterfly is at Princess Theatre, Torquay on Friday 16th February 2024 at 19:30.

Senbla presents Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent and the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv production, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Why go and see it?
WINNER ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards
Back by overwhelming public demand, this award-winning Opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.

Above all it was a production which captured the raw emotion at the centre of the opera. Don’t take a handkerchief with you, take a box of them. – THE INDEPENDENT

Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles

*Cast subject to change.

Book tickets for Ellen Kent: Madama Butterfly is at Princess Theatre, Torquay on Friday 16th February 2024 at 19:30.

Running Time: 2 hours 35 minutes incl. interval

View All Shows at Princess Theatre, Torquay
Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 5EZ

Experience the poignant tale of Madama Butterfly, an exquisite opera that continues to enchant audiences with its heartbreaking story and sublime music. Composed by Giacomo Puccini, this masterwork transports listeners to early 20th-century Japan, immersing them in a world of love, sacrifice, and cultural clashes.

Madama Butterfly follows the story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese geisha known as Butterfly, and her ill-fated love for Pinkerton, an American naval officer. Their whirlwind romance unfolds against a backdrop of cultural differences and conflicting expectations.

The opera begins with Butterfly’s unwavering devotion to Pinkerton, who, driven by fleeting desires, sees their union as a temporary adventure. Despite warnings from her family and the marriage broker, Butterfly embraces her love for Pinkerton with unwavering faith. However, their blissful union is short-lived as Pinkerton departs for America, promising to return.

Years pass, and Butterfly’s unwavering hope sustains her through the trials of loneliness and societal rejection. When Pinkerton finally returns to Japan, he brings along his American wife, shattering Butterfly’s dreams of a happily-ever-after. The devastating climax unfolds as Butterfly makes a heart-wrenching decision that leaves audiences breathless.

Puccini’s score, characterized by its melodic richness and evocative orchestrations, elevates the emotional depth of “Madama Butterfly.” From Butterfly’s tender aria “Un bel dì vedremo” to the stirring “Humming Chorus,” the music resonates with profound beauty and emotional intensity.

Beyond its musical brilliance, Madama Butterfly delves into themes of love, betrayal, and cultural clashes. It examines the consequences of misplaced trust and the collision of Eastern and Western values. The opera invites introspection on the nature of love, sacrifice, and the human capacity for endurance in the face of heartbreak.

Throughout the years, Madama Butterfly has remained a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, captivating audiences with its timeless tale. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Puccini’s artistry and the universal themes it explores. Prepare to be swept away by the tragic beauty of “Madama Butterfly,” an opera that continues to touch hearts and stir souls.