Madame Butterly



 

 
One of the most popular & frequently performed operas came to Kuwait. Originally, the story of John Luther Long and adapted by Giacomo Puccini appeared on the stage in a small scale production for 2 nights at Movenpick- Al-Bide' on the 13th & 14th October, 2010. It is somewhat devoid of all the spectacles & complexities of the other opers as it is based on one simple plot line that takes place in a small house in Nagasaki, Japan and I think that what made it possible to perform on such a small stage at Movenpick Ballroom.


        

It is the classic tale of love, loss, hope & despair as Madame Butterfly marries Pinkerton, a United States Navy officer then he leaves for 3 years. During this time she has a son and when at last Pinkerton comes back she learns that he's got a new American wife & they are willing to take the boy to take care of him. At the end Madame Butterfly commits Hara-Kiri with her father's dagger that has the inscription "Who cannot live with honor must die with honor." and the curtain comes down when Pinkerton comes in and finds Butterfly dead.
The first act started a bit slow and the acoustics were not optimal but things got better during the 2nd act and it was spectacular especially when Butterfly & Suzuki, her maid, sang. 
 

         

Overall, it was a new & nice experience. Price tag: KD 20 for a ticket which included the show & pre-show drinks & canapes.