MADAME BUTTERFLY Comes to New National Theatre, Tokyo This June!

MADAME BUTTERFLY is playing at New National Theatre, Tokyo from June 1 to 9, 2019.

Set in Meiji period Nagasaki and punctuated with vibrant melodies such as the well-known aria "Un bel dì, vedremo", Puccini's Madama Butterfly is known and loved around the world. The Japan depicted by Puccini, who had never actually set foot in the country, feels real and we can only marvel at his deep insight and imagination. The NNTT production directed by KURIYAMA Tamiya casts a sharp eye on the social background of the story, especially Japan's relationship with America at the time. No matter how many times you have seen it, you will find something new in this outstanding production. This season, Madama Butterfly is played by SATO Yasko. Having performed on the international stage, including Florence, Bologna and Seattle, she is now one of the most sought-after Japanese sopranos in this role. It's also noteworthy that celebrated American tenor Stephen Costello makes his role debut as Pinkerton at the NNTT. His beautiful and noble voice is perfectly suited to the role of the handsome but naïve naval officer who captures Cio-Cio-San's heart. In the pit, experienced Italian conductor Donato RENZETTI makes his first appearance at the NNTT.

For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english/productions/opera/madama-butterfly-2019.html