Madama Butterfly
When Madama Butterfly was first performed at La Scala at the turn of the twentieth century it was a resounding flop. Puccini quickly revised the opera. Several months later his new production was a smash hit with Italian audiences. Over the subsequent century,
Madama Butterfly has become one of most popular operas of all time.The tragic story of a young fifteen year old Japanese girl who is married to a two-timing American sailor is brought to life by Opera Australia. This excellent production captures Puccini’s genius completely. The stage, an elegant Japanese house, is exquisitely simple.
Greek soprano Alexia Voulgaridou plays Madama Butterfly brilliantly. Her vocal mastery of the part evokes the most emotional aspects of the opera. Her despicable husband, Pinkerton is performed by the Australian tenor, James Egglestone, who was resoundingly booed at the curtain call, indicating he succeeds at being a perfect cad. (DG, DC)
