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Opera Australia’s production of Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour was a huge success when it premiered on the harbour in 2014, and now it is wowing audiences all over again with another grand production.
With an enormous sun and full moon rising over the water, thrilling fireworks against the Sydney skyline, a grove of real bamboo, and even a speedboat that zooms up with a cast member on board, the production is spectacular from start to finish. And that’s not to mention a complete set change during the interval, when what looks like a small army constructs a remarkable new set before our very eyes.
The production involves a cast of 71 (including 20 principals), an orchestra of 75, and a crew of nearly 60. The combination of world-class opera with background views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge has become a quintessential Sydney experience, but this is perhaps the most compelling Opera on Sydney Harbour yet.
Puccini’s Madama Butterfly premiered in Milan in 1904 and remains one of the world’s most enduring operas, a tragic love story that today comes with conversations around cultural appropriation, racial and gender stereotypes.
In this version by avant-garde Spanish director, Àlex Ollé, the American naval officer Pinkerton is transformed into a contemporary businessman and developer with his eyes on the paradise where he finds Cio-Cio-San.
The production broke Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour box office records when it premiered in 2014. Revived in 2023 by Susana Gómez, it continues to tear at the heart strings as the audience bears witness to Cio-Cio-San’s naive dream of a future with Pinkerton.
As Cio-Cio-San, the “Butterfly”, Korean soprano Karah Son excels in the title role (shared with Korean Australian soprano Eva Kong), while Mexican-Australian tenor Diego Torre is a strong and convincing Pinkerton (shared with Paul O’Neill). Do yourself a favour and book in to see this monumental production.
With thanks to Opera Australia for inviting Maurie and I to attend the opening night. Pictures supplied by Opera Australia and used with permission.
Booking information:
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour
Madama Butterfly
Where? Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
When? Until Sunday, April 23, 2023
Tickets: www.opera.org.au
