Madama Butterfly – Manchester Opera House

What a privilege to be able to see one of Puccini’s most iconic operas, in one of auditoriums built for such a performance – at the Opera House in Manchester. I was so delighted to see this (even if it was on a school night!)  and as it was a packed house so were a lot of people.

The set was stunning, with the Japanese pagoda and trees across the stage and as the curtain rose we were taken to a mountain top village in Nagasaki, where life was simple, traditions obeyed and love was strong.

Lieutenant Pinkerton of the American Navy, awaits his bride to be, the 15 year old naïve Cio-Cio-San, and is shown around his mountain top home by the marriage broker Goro. The American is joined by the American Consul Sharpless, who has adept knowledge of Japanese traditions and knowing that the Lieutenants intentions in marriage are short-lived, warns of the dangers such a reunion could have on the young girl. The selfish sailor ignores his friend’s wise words and wants only to be wed to his beautiful Geisha girl and to live, albeit for short time, in this remote home.

And so Cio-Cio-San enters the stage. The costumes are exquisite and the girl a vision of delight, as she and her family approach her betrothed to be married. It’s a beautiful sight with Puccini ‘s music and the stunning voices of the cast, engulfing us in a euphoria of romance and anticipation. 

The marriage ceremony begins, but the girl’s uncle Bonze arrives showing his distain and shouting blasphemies against his niece who has betrayed and denied all her ancient customs to be with the American.

Regardless, Co-Cio-San is devoted to the man she loves, and she sacrifices everything she knows to be married to the love of her life. As the two are left alone after the ceremony the passion in their songs, expressing their shared devotion and unity is breath-taking. 

Act two starts in a different mood, as we learn that the lieutenant has left his wife for 3 years now and as she watches for her husband every day for his ship Abraham Lincoln to arrive, she remains hopeful and sure. Her trusted friend and servant Suzuki is less confident and believes that her friend has been abandoned forever.

The consul returns to inform her that the ship has arrived at port but does not have the heart to tell her that the Lieutenant has in fact married an American woman and wants no more of his Japanese girl. Before he has the chance to share this news, he is shown her son who is named Sorrow until his father returns. Sharpless leaves with this news to share with his friend. 

Cio-Cio-San is ecstatic that her beloved has returned and with Suzuki adorns her home with all the blossoms from her garden to greet him. The three await his return but all night they wait and so exhausted, Cio-Cio-San sleeps as the Consul, the lieutenant and his wife Kate arrive. Suzuki is greeted with the news that the Americans are there to take Sorrow away to live in America. On hearing the voices, Cio-Cio-San is awakened and greets the group. Realising the intentions, she separates herself from her child who she leaves for the Americans and kills herself.

As the opera ends and the amazing cast take their bows, the audience standing to applaud rapturously are overwhelmed with what they have seen and heard. The stunning music of Puccini, whose own life was filled with tragedy, the awesome voices of the cast – tonight played by – Elena Dee (Cio-Cio-San), Natalia Marveeve (Suzuki), Vitalii Liskovetskyi (Lieutenant Pinkerton) and Olexandr Forkushak (Sharpless). The joyous Sorrow (Ivy Shi) and the gifted ensemble who carried us through this hauntingly beautiful music, to the tragic end ,will remain with each of us I’m sure, for a long, long time.

It is even more poignant to realise that it was the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet theatre from Kyiv that we had seen perform and the audience stood and sang in unity at the final call. This Ellen Kent production (celebrating 30 years of opera and ballet) was a masterpiece and should be seen in a theatre near you, if you get this wonderful opportunity. 

The opera, along with Ellen Kent’s productions of Verdi’s “Aida” and Puccini’s “La Boheme” are touring the UK throughout spring 2023 (January-March), each for one night only. So, check your local theatres for specific dates.  Ticket prices are from £13. A wonderful experience – not to be missed!

Reviewer: Jan Mellor

Reviewed: 26th January 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★