Handa Opera unveils La Fura dels Baus’ spectacular visual plans for Puccini’s classic.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour have unveiled the 12m wide sunset that will illuminate the production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly that opens on March 21. The enormous inflatable sun will rise from the harbour and apparently requires its own dedicated barge and ‘Orb Master’ technician.

Spanish opera wizards, La Fura dels Baus have created their staging on Opera Australia’s biggest ever harbour stage measuring a remarkable 1276sq m. In addition to the giant sun, there will also be a 6m moonrise to frame the iconic Act One love duet.

A Japanese bamboo forest, a speed boat arrival, two working cars, two cranes and, topping previous year’s offerings, not one but two firework opportunities at every performance complete the list of spectacular effects planned for the production. There will also be fireflies in the grass courtesy of 49 fibre optic clusters.

A cast of 60 international and local artists lead by Hiromi Omura and Hyeseoung Kwon as Butterfly with Georgy Vasiliev and Andeka Gorrotxategi as Pinkerton complete the assembled forces.

Madama Butterfly runs from March 21-April 12.

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