Puccini: Madama Butterfly [James Egglestone, Hiromi Omura, Graeme Macfarlanei] [Opera Australia: OPOZ56038DVD] [NTSC] [2013] / Opera Australia Chorus Orchestra Victoria / Arts Centre Melbourne / 2013 DVD

Total Playtime: 150 minutes

UPC 5060266600579

Made in Australia

Japanese soprano, Hiromi Omura, portrays Butterfly with grace, bringing to the stage a complex combination of fragility and strength, with singing that is both exquisite and powerful. James Egglestone gives Pinkerton the self-possession of a man who takes from the world what he wants, his strong voice soaring over the magnificent orchestra. The drama is played out on an elegant, minimalistic set splashed with bright color from the gorgeous costumes and lighting, inspired by Japanese theatre traditions.

Madama Butterfly

Giacomo Puccini
B F Pinkerton James Egglestone
Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly) Hiromi Omura
Goro Graeme Macfarlane
Suzuki Sian Pendry
Sharpless Barry Ryan
The Imperial Commissioner Clifford Plumpton
The Official Registrar Gregory Brown
The Bonze Jud Arthur
Prince Yamadori Samuel Dundas
Kate Pinkerton Nicole Car
Dolore John Nguyen

Opera Australia Chorus & Orchestra Victoria
Conductor Giovanni Reggioli
Director Moffatt Oxenbould
Designers Peter England, Russell Cohen
Lighting Designer Robert Bryan

Madama Butterfly is a magnificent work by Puccini with a ravishing score to tug at the heart. Romantic Cio-Cio-San's innocence and trust is captured by the cynical Lieutenant Pinkerton, who marries her as a novelty and temporary convenience with absolutely no intention of honouring his vows for longer than it suits him to do so. Was Puccini highlighting the prevailing condescending cultural imperialism that was so evident at the time? And its inevitable consequences?