Moffatt Oxenbould’s much-loved staging of Puccini’s classic was officially retired by Opera Australia in 2017. Now, it’s making a comeback, revived here by Matthew Barclay. “It’s cleverly conceived by Oxenbould and his design team as an exotic, seductive world as seen through Pinkerton’s eyes,” wrote Jo Litson for Limelight. OA’s new Music Director Andrea Battistoni divvies up conducting duties with Paul Fitzsimon and Erina Yashima. Guanqun Yu, Vittoria Yeo and Olivia Cranwell share the title role of Cio-Cio-San, with Robert Watson and Oreste Cosimo as the thoughtless Pinkerton.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Fire. Water. Beauty. Darkness. When love is lost, what is left behind?

Cio-Cio-San is a woman who dreams of a bigger life. Pinkerton is a man who sees only a butterfly, something he can capture and keep. His callous pursuit ripples into sweeping tragedy.

Puccini’s eternally popular Madama Butterfly is a profoundly moving experience. The yearning score soars to incredible heights (Cio-Cio-San’s dazzling ‘Un bel di’) and offers moments of exquisite stillness (the ‘Humming Chorus’).

Moffatt Oxenbould’s award-winning production is timeless. Tiny candles glimmer among floating flowers in a real onstage moat. Sliding paper panels reveal and conceal the secrets everyone is keeping. Sumptuous, colourful costumes are inspired by Japanese traditional dress. It’s a serene, stunning backdrop for the unfolding emotional turmoil.