Photo Flash: First Look at GöteborgsOperan's MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Puccini's own favourite work, about two lovers from different continents, is a tragedy of cultural stereotyping and misunderstandings. We are proud to present Madama Butterfly in a new, exciting production by the celebrated Japanese director YOSHI OÏDA, a long-time collaborator with the theatre and film director Peter Brook.

In Japan, the American naval officer Pinkerton purchases a young wife for himself - the geisha Madama Butterfly. It is all a game to him, but Cio-Cio San, as the geisha is really called, takes her role as an American wife very seriously. She severs all ties to her own culture and background. When their son is born, Pinkerton's game becomes a matter of life and death. Check out a first look below!

The passion in the music is heightened by the cruelty of the story. There are few who remain unaffected by Puccini's excruciatingly beautiful composition.

Paris-based Yoshi Oïda's first production of Madama Butterfly will be an interpretation which brings a solid Japanese sense of authenticity. This will be the first time that the early Brescia version of the piece will be performed in Sweden - a less sentimental version, more acrimonious in its social criticism and with sharper contrasts.

The experienced Italian conductor Manlio Benzi will be responsible for giving Puccini's well known score to life once more - for the first time in Gothenburg for eleven years. The demanding title role will be shared by two Korean sopranos, both on the brink of international careers: Jung Nan Yoon and Karah Son.