Ellen Kent: Madama Butterfly at New Theatre, Oxford Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
One of the world’s most iconic and popular Italian opera’s, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly has returned in a new award winning Ellen Kent production with the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kyiv and performed in spectacular style at the New Theatre, Oxford.
Madama Butterfly first performed in 1904, telling the tragic and heart-breaking story of a young Japanese geisha girl, Butterfly, who falls in love with Pinkerton, an American naval officer who is on tour in Japan at the start of the 20th century. Tragically, Pinkerton and Butterfly have very different feelings about their marriage vows and in a tale that has captivated audiences for more than a century, the consequences for this are devastating.
For the revival of this dramatic masterpiece, the Royal Opera House engaged in lengthy consultations with Japanese academics and performers in striving to better respect Japanese culture, whilst also seeking to be true to the spirit of Puccini’s original story. With impeccable attention to detail, the creators have worked hard to bring greater authenticity to this fine production.
As the story unfolds, the American, Pinkerton, arrives in Japan and leases a house which comes with three servants and a geisha wife, Cio Cio San, known as Madam Butterfly. For Pinkerton, the marriage is purely transactional, and he always has the intention of abandoning the fragile Butterfly. Butterfly’s tragedy is that she has no notion of his intentions and falls in love, committing herself so completely that she gives up her religion and is cast out by her family. When Pinkerton leaves her, she gives birth to their son and dreams endlessly about her lost love returning. In the final heartrending scenes Pinkerton does return but he is accompanied by an American wife and Butterfly is hopelessly overcome.
With all the action taking place in a single setting, this Ellen Kent revival is a beautiful production. The Japanese set is truly exquisite, featuring a beautiful garden with water features and a house with authentic shutters, which perfectly captures some exceptional shadow effects from within. The costumes are equally stunningly gorgeous and perfectly complement Butterfly’s romanticism.
Korean soprano, Elena Dee was the beating heart of the show and truly remarkable as Butterfly. Dee is perfectly cast as the 15-year-old innocent child bride and gives an utterly spellbinding performance, her voice is pure and sublime as she ploughs her character’s emotional depths in her tragic journey from innocence to ultimate devastation. Davit Sumbadze excels as Benjamin Franklin with exceptional vocals and gravitas. Sumbadze succeeds in portraying his dastardly character with some developing humanity, despite being the ultimate villain of this tragic tale.
The orchestra, conducted by Vasyl Vasylenko were phenomenally good, commendably matching the rise and fall of the story telling as the tragedy unfolds. By the time we reach Act Three and the show nears its climax, both cast and orchestra are perfectly balanced with emotional intensity. As the audience rose to applaud the performers and then in solidarity with the Ukrainian performers holding their flag to sing their national anthem the emotions were truly visceral.
The production continues its tour of the UK – Madama Butterfly, the power of Puccini’s heart-rending music is epitomised in this vulnerable, captivating and a simply stunning production.
Rating: 5/5
Senbla presents Opera International’s Award Winning Ellen Kent Production: Madama Butterfly was showing at New Theatre, Oxford on Thursday 10th April 2025.
For more information, visit www.atgtickets.com