The story of Madama Butterfly is one close to IFAC’s heart, telling the story of the innocent Japanese girl Cio-Cio-San and her tempestuous and tragic relationship with the American naval officer, Pinkerton.

Set under the stars and against the beautiful backdrop of Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this production perfectly encapsulated the aching beauty not only of Cio-Cio-San’s love but also her eventual demise. Puccini’s music in this opera is some of his most beautiful, especially the famous love duet between Butterfly and Pinkerton; it is hard to imagine a more beautiful setting in which to experience this music.

One of the most striking moments of the opera is Cio-Cio-San’s anguished waiting for Pinkerton to return to her, after many years away. Unbeknownst to him, while he has selfishly left Butterfly in Japan, she has given birth to his son and every day she waits at her window to see his boat come in. As the audience listened Cio-Cio-San’s lament, the faint outline of a speedboat began to come closer to the stage: surely this wasn’t Pinkerton sailing across the harbour to her? As the boat raced closer, the audience realised that this was in fact Pinkerton, allowing us to experience the same feelings as Cio-Cio-San in a startlingly accurate way. When the boat arrived at the stage and Pinkerton stepped out, the special magic of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and all of the dramatic potential of Puccini’s opera was realised perfectly.

IFAC was proud to host our Patron and Member of the British Royal Family Mr Peter Phillips, who spoke at the after party reception. Mr Phillips thanked Opera Australia, on behalf of Dr Handa, for bringing this incredible show to HOSH, and for the tireless dedication of the singers, stagehands, director, conductor, orchestra, lighting designers, costume designers, and all those who worked hard to make this an utterly unforgettable production.

Watch trailer here.