Royal Opera: Madama Butterfly

Running time: 195 mins

Drama

When the young geisha, Cio-Cio-San, marries American Naval Officer Pinkerton, she believes she is entering a real, binding marriage for life. Forsaking her religion and community, she learns all too late that for Pinkerton, their marriage is merely an illusion � with tragic consequences.
With a score that includes Butterfly�s aria, 'Un bel d�, 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. Asmik Grigorian performs the role of Cio-Cio-San, with Kevin John Edusei conducting.