Melbourne City Ballet will bring the powerful story of Madame Butterfly for a one-off performance at the Potato Shed on August 17 as part of their national tour.<\/p>\n
Passion, love and tragedy have been strong themes in Melbourne City Ballet\u2019s program over recent years; artistic director Michael Pappalardo\u2019s adaption of Giacomo Puccini\u2019s infamous Madame Butterfly is no different.<\/p>\n
Madame Butterfly follows a young Japanese girl called Cho-Cho (nicknamed \u201cButterfly\u201d) as she marries US Naval Officer Pinkerton only to have him depart for the Americas.<\/p>\n
As the years pass Butterfly awaits his return with hope – refusing any new suitor but her Pinkerton – it is only upon Pinkerton\u2019s return that Butterfly realises their union was not as she thought, ending in one of opera\u2019s most infamous tragedies.<\/p>\n
Redeveloped into a newly choreographed three-act ballet, Melbourne City Ballet\u2019s production will capture the story\u2019s essence through the fusion of traditional Japanese and classical ballet movement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I\u2019m playing the role of Butterfly I often reflect back to my time in Japan.<\/p>\n
Next year will mark 10 years since I have performed in Japan,\u201d principal artist Yuiko Masukawa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is interesting how things can be so connected, they both hold a special place in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
The production showcases the company\u2019s exquisite choreography and versatility, whilst featuring impressive new scenery, beautiful oriental costumes and of course Puccini\u2019s evocative score.<\/p>\n
Melbourne City Ballet worked closely with many from the Japanese community to ensure the production respectfully pays homage in an accurate but delicate manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur production will feature more of a traditional Japanese style of movement than our classical repertoire. We hope our audiences enjoy Madame Butterfly,\u201d Mr Pappalardo said.<\/p>\n
Tickets are available at the Potato Shed, or by phoning 5251 1998, or at any City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centre for the August 17, 8pm show<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Melbourne City Ballet will bring the powerful story of Madame Butterfly for a one-off performance at the Potato Shed on August 17 as part of their national tour. Passion, love and tragedy have been strong themes in Melbourne City Ballet\u2019s program over recent years; artistic director Michael Pappalardo\u2019s adaption of Giacomo Puccini\u2019s infamous Madame Butterfly […]<\/p>\n