THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED - due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be screening Madama Butterfly. We apologise for any inconvenience.
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.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
Running time: 3 hours and 10 minutes with a 20 minute interval
Film classification: 12A. Children must be accompanied by an adult.