Madama Butterfly for Dorset Opera

Set in early 20th-century Japan, the story tells of Ciòciò-san, a very young geisha, and Lieutenant Pinkerton, a U.S. Naval officer entranced by her beauty. Pinkerton will do anything to have her and takes part in a marriage ceremony but, inevitably, he returns to America. Butterfly never loses faith that one day her love will return, and she raises their child alone, rejecting other suitors. Three years later, Pinkerton does reappear but, devastatingly, with an American wife.

One of the greatest operas ever written, Madama Butterfly, is a supreme tragic love story.

Ciòciò-san (Madama Butterfly) Eri Nakamura (22, 24, 27 July), Letitia Vitelaru (25 July)

Suzuki, her maid Lucia Cervoni

Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton, Lt. in the U.S. Navy José Simerilla Romero

Sharpless, U.S. consul at Nagasaki David Kempster

Goro, a matchmaker Aled Hall

Prince Yamadori Arthur Bruce

The Bonze, uncle of Ciòciò-san Tim Bagley

Yakusidé, uncle of Ciòciò-san James Hutchings

The Imperial Commissioner David Bicarregui

The Official Registrar Sam Weakley

Ciòciò-san’s mother Eleanor Story