Madame
Butterfly in Paris
The classic
Madame Butterfly, probably one of the most beautiful and complete portraits of
a woman in the history of opera, is currently showing in the Opéra Bastille,
Paris until the 14th of February 2011.
This
version of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, consisting of three acts and performed in
Italian, is a striking and moving opera adapted from a short story by John
Luther Long. Andrea Chénier plays the desperate woman in Bob Wilson’s sensitive
staging and in what could be a perfect Valentine’s Day activity if you are the
French capital this February.
The plot:
Set on Nagasaki Harbour at the end of the 19th
century, this moving Japanese tragedy tells the story of beautiful Cio-Cio-San,
former Geisha but very fragile, unworldly, and in love with handsome Captain
Pinkerton a dashing officer in the United States Navy. He compares her to a
butterfly, and although he’s cognizant of her fragility, he pursues her
shamelessly declaring “I must pursue her even though I damage her wings.” Cio-Cio-San
or Madame Butterfly deceives herself, despite abundant warnings, of Pinkerton’s
motives and they marry. Three years later, Cio- Cio-San waits for her husband
to return, still believing that one day Pinkerton’s ship will appear on the
horizon. Later she receives news suggesting that Pinkerton may never return
however, Cio- Cio-San has faith that as soon as he knows he has a son he will
surely come back, and if he does not, she would rather die than return to her
former life. Pinkerton does return but with his new wife in tow and when Cio-
Cio-San comes forth expecting to find him, she finds his new American wife
instead. She agrees to give up the child if his father will return for him then
sending her little boy out into the garden to play, she takes out the dagger
with which her father committed suicide then stabs herself, choosing to die
with honour rather than live in disgrace.
An aria of
love, loss, hope, and finally despair.
Practical
information:
When: From
the 16th of January to the 14th of February
Where:Opéra Bastille, Paris
Address:
120, Rue de Lyon, Place de la
Bastille
Directions:
By Metro: line 1, 5 or 8 to Bastille.
By Rail: RER Gare de Lyon.
By Bus: 20, 29, 65, 76, 86, 87, 91.
Parking is available for Opéra Bastille patrons at 34 rue de Lyon (special
fixed rate).
Duration:
3h with a 15 minute interval
Ticket
Prices: from 5 to 180 euro
Anna - Marketing Team