Details

An American naval officer (Pinkerton) 'acquires' a 15 year old Geisha wife during a stay in Japan - but has no intention of staying with her. After a while he returns to the USA and marries his fiancee. Meanwhile, Butterfly waits for him for three years, cut off from her family, religion and culture by being an American wife. And she is now a mother. When he finally returns she is overjoyed, but he brings with him his new wife. Story originally published in a magazine. Running time 2hrs 50mins

Cast/Performers

Mary Plazas (Cio-cio San), John Fanning (Sharpless), Pamela Helen Stephen (Suzuki), Michael Colvin (Goro), Mark Richardson (The Bonze), Jonathan McGovern (Prince Yamadori)

Creatives/Company

Music: Puccini
Lyrics(s): Giuseppe Giacosa, Luigi Illica (1904)
Producer: English National Opera
Conductor(s): Oleg Caetani, Martin Fitzpatrick
Director(s): Anthony Minghella (original), Carolyn Choa (original associate director and choreographer), Sarah Tipple (revival)
Design: Michael Levine
Costume: Han Feng
Lighting: Peter Mumford
Choreographer: Anita Griffin (revival)