Madama Butterfly

About

The Royal Opera

When the young geisha, Cio-Cio-San, marries American Naval Officer Pinkerton, she believes she is entering a real, binding marriage for life. Forsaking her religion and community, she learns all too late that for Pinkerton, their marriage is merely an illusion – with tragic consequences.

With a score that includes Butterfly's aria, 'Un bel dì, vedremo' ('One fine day') and the Humming Chorus, Giacomo Puccini's opera is entrancing and ultimately heart-breaking. Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier's exquisite production takes inspiration from 19th-century European images of Japan. Asmik Grigorian performs the role of Cio-Cio-San, with Kevin John Edusei conducting.

Streamed direct from the Royal Opera House to our big screen

Running time 195 minutes (including one interval) Sung in Italian with English subtitles

Music Giacomo Puccini Conductor Kevin John Edusei Directors Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier Set Designer Christian Fenouillat Costume Designer Agostino Cavalca Lighting Designer Christophe Forey

Cio-Cio-San Asmik Grigorian Lieutenant B. F. Pinkerton Joshua Guerrero Sharpless Lauri Vasar Suzuki Hongni Wu Goro Ya-Chung Huang The Bonze Jeremy White Prince Yamadori Josef Jeongmeen Ahn Kate Pinkerton Veena Akama-Makia Imperial Commissioner Romanas Kudriašovas

Royal Opera Chorus Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

A co-production with Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona