Madama Butterfly

This is a visually stunning production which takes the classic opera to a place that is a world away from some of the dusty traditions of the artform.

Surrounding the stage are long AV screens, projecting images ranging from striking flags of the United States to exotic modern art.

The central drama took place on a raised glass platform held aloft by a sharp curved rib like frame. The metaphor of a trapped butterfly was realised by an actress descending from the ceiling in a twisted red rope. Another time a butterfly is pinned to a wall as if being placed on exhibition in a museum.

Equally striking were the costumes from designer Jennifer Irwin – the most bizarre being Japanese men in traditional clothing wearing headpieces that looked like they were fashioned from hub caps.

The pièce de résistance was a costume which adorned David Parkin as Bonzem, which was a life-sized origami feature.

Madama Butterfly is one of the classics, centred on the exploitation of a Japanese geisha girl Cio-Cio-San by an American Navy Lieutenant BF Pinkerton.

He intends to take a wife during his stay in Nagasaki with the full intention of ditching her for an American back home when his commission ends.

In the role on opening night was the commanding resident Opera Australia tenor Diego Torre. There was drama on stage when it was obvious he was unwell and he signalled his illness by summonsing glasses of water. Bravo for his stoicism by continuing on to the end of the first act after which Thomas Strong ably substituted for the rest of the performance.

In sparkling voice was Sae Kynug Rim as Cio-Cio-San. The most famous aria in the opera is Un bel dì vedremo, where she imagines the return of her husband.  This was decorated by an audio-visual effect which saw Japanese letters floating into a harbour. It was almost more beautiful than the music and that is saying something.

The choreography was as striking and fresh as you would expect from a Graeme Murphy production, particularly the opening parade of Geisha girls.

Altogether it is an impressive interpretation to savor.

David Spicer

Photographer: Guy Davies