Madama Butterfly: Puccini’s Tragic Masterpiece

“Butterfly,” set in Japan in 1904, is the story of immature love and passion embroiled in a clash between eastern and western cultures that tragically ends in birth, death and remorse. Its vocal and orchestral score is of miraculous beauty and aching and deeply emotional dramatic power and truth. We will view carefully selected excerpts from outstanding DVD productions. We will also discuss why “Butterfly” has always been one of the most adored and frequently presented operas, but also in our modern world, why it is one of the most controversial operatic works depicting cultural stereotypes, racism and domestic abuse. So much to enjoy and contemplate!