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Madama Butterfly

Royal Opera House Live 22–23

A production still from Madama Butterfly, part of Royal Opera House Live's 22-23 cinema season

Set in 19th-century Japan, Puccini's heart-rending opera tells the tale of Cio-Cio-San, a young geisha who falls in love with an American naval officer – and pays the ultimate price.

‘Love cannot kill: it brings new life.’

On a starlit night in Nagasaki, these are the words spoken by American naval officer Pinkerton to young geisha Cio-Cio-San. But as they both learn, words and promises carelessly spoken can have indelible 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.
 

Running time: 3hrs and 10 minutes (including one interval)

Sung in Italian with English subtitles

Please note, this screening is not yet classified

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