Madama Butterfly

The Hungarian State Opera/Ballet company’s second show for its Dubai sojourn is Puccini’s tragic opera, and we’re promised that “elegance meets artistry for an unforgettable evening of beauty and grace”.

In turn-of-the-century Nagasaki, the dashing American naval officer Pinkerton (Boldizsár László) has chosen for his bride Cio-Cio-san, a naïve young geisha on the verge of womanhood (the Butterfly of the title, played by Csilla Boross). His betrayal and Cio-Cio-san’ shame and sorrow leads her s to take destiny into her own hands; the final scene is one of the most devastating you’ll find in any opera.

This company performs the fifth and final version of Puccini’s reworkings of the piece; its production, by director Miklós Gábor Kerényi, has enjoyed success with audiences since 2000. János Kovács conducts the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra.

There’s a black tie/formal dress code, but at these prices that shouldn’t be a problem for you ….

There is a second performance on 13 September.