Madama Butterfly at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
REVIEW OF ‘MADAMA BUTTERFLY’ – KINGS THEATRE, SOUTHSEA
I had the great pleasure of reviewing Puccini’s Madama Butterfly Opera at the Kings Theatre, Southsea on 19th March 2024. Sernbla presented Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent production with the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kyiv. This was an Opera in two acts, based on a play by David Belasco from a short story by John Luther Long, from a novel by Pierre Loti. The music was by Giacomo Puccini and the libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica.
Madama Butterfly is a story of unrequited love and is set in the 1900’s. Puccini’s poignant music follows the tragic tale of Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly), a young Japanese girl from Nagasaki, Japan, who falls in love with an American naval officer Lieutenant Pinkerton.
In Act One a marriage broker, Goro, has been paid to organise an arranged marriage between Pinkerton and 15 year old Madama Butterfly. Their marriage is performed by a Commissioner. Unbeknown to Madama Butterfly, Pinkerton does not take their marriage seriously and just sees the arrangement as a means for seduction; whereas Madama Butterfly is deeply in love with him. The American Consul warns Pinkerton that he should not play with Madama Butterfly’s affections, as she has renounced her religion and taken up Christianity for him, which has resulted in her being ostracised by her family and friends. At the end of Act One the two lovers are left to enjoy their passion for each other.
Act Two reveals the fate of Madama Butterfly, who has waited three long years for Pinkerton to return after he left her to go back to America, with an unwavering belief that he will come back to her to rekindle their love for each other. Suzuki, her devoted friend and servant, lives with her and the young son Madama Butterfly had from her relationship with Pinkerton. They have a home paid for by Pinkerton, but no other income so are almost destitute. There has been an offer of marriage by Prince Yamadori, but Madama Butterfly still believes her husband will return. The American Consul arrives with a letter from Pinkerton, but Madama Butterfly chooses not to listen to him reading it to her. An all night vigil by Madama Butterfly, her son and Suzuki takes place in her home. Pinkerton arrives with his American wife Kate and the American Consul and asks Suzuki to explain to Madama Butterfly that he and his wife want to take the son back to America. Madama Butterfly is devastated at this proposal as she realizes Pinkerton does not want her; just her child. Distraught, Madama Butterfly kills herself with the knife previously used by her own father to commit suicide.
This performance featured Madama Butterfly by Alyona Kistenyova; Suzuki by Nataliia Matvieieva; Pinkerton by Giorgi Meladze; American Consul by Vitalii Cebotari; The Bonze by Valeriu Cojocaru; Goro by Yevhenii Vaskiv; The Commissioner by Eugeniu Ganea; Prince Yamadori by Nicolae Cebanu; Kate Pinkerton by Anastasiia Blokha and Sorrow (the young son) by Isabella Roberts.
The vocalists were all absolutely stunning; with soprano Alyona giving a breathtakingly emotional performance throughout, which was steeped in such a range of naivety, innocent love, longing and unwavering belief in a happy ending, to be cruelly dashed in tragedy. Natalia, a mezzo-soprano, as Suzuki, was superb as a confidant and protector of her mistress; whose fiery voice demonstrated her passion and loyalty. Giorgi, the tenor who played Pinkerton, had a powerful and resonating vocal range that captured the essence of someone who had an egotistical passion, with little regard for the consequences of his actions; a brilliant voice.
The performance was directed by Ellen Kent, with Valrriui Cucarschi the Lighting Designer/Operator. Company Manager and Stage Director was Victor Donos; Production Manager Neil Morton; Chorus Mistress Kateryna Kondraten-Savienkova. Executive Administrator and Subtitles by Vitoria Bazalinchuk. The Stagecoach Portsmouth provided their students for this production.
Vasyl Vasylenko conducted the Orchestra of the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kyiv, who provided an excellent musical score for this performance.
This production was on for one night only at The Kings Theatre, Southsea and was an absolute joy to behold. There was a well-deserved standing ovation at the end, with the Ukrainian flag held proudly by the cast and performers to cheers and appreciation by the emotionally charged audience. Well worth a 5 Star rating; would highly recommend.
https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/madama-butterfly-3/
Rating: 5/5