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Madame Butterfly
Giacomo Puccini
November 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th - 2003
"The musical themes exquisiely heighten the drama as love turns to tragedy. The brilliance of the piece ensures that it retains its primary place in the heart of audiences around the world." ~ Maestro John DeMain |
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ACT I.
In the American Consulate of Nagasaki overlooking the harbor, Goro, a marriage broker, explains the features of a local home to U.S. Navy Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton, who recently leased the place for 999 years - with the option to cancel the contract with a month's notice. As part of the deal, Pinkerton receives three servants and a geisha wife known as Madama Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San). The American Consul, Sharpless, arrives and Pinkerton wastes no time explaining his philosophy in life - a navy man's life of pleasure, roaming the seas in search of adventure and "a girl in every port" (Amore o grillo'). Sharpless cautions the officer that Cio-Cio-San may not take their wedding vows as lightly as he. Pinkerton dismisses the consul's warning and toasts the day he takes a "real" wife, "one of the pretty girls of the good old U.S.A." Cio-Cio-San explains to Sharpless and her betrothed that she comes from a noble family which lost all its wealth. Naively, but with no shame, she informs the men she became a geisha "to keep the wolf away." Cio-Cio-San shows her future husband her meager belongings and humbly declares that, as the ultimate sign of her love, she is converting to the Christian faith. The wedding is a terse ceremony, more a business deal than an exchange of vows. The post wedding celebration is interrupted by the arrival of the Bonze, Cio-Cio-San's Uncle, a Buddhist priest who berates the young girl for betraying her people and her religion. Pinkerton angrily orders the Bonze away and then turns to his new wife to console her, drying her tears and reminding her night is approaching ('Viene la sera').
- 20-minute intermission -
ACT II.
Three years have passed since Pinkerton went back to sea, and Cio-Cio-San still pines for his return. Realizing they are nearly broke, Suzuki prays to the gods for aid ('E Izaghi ed Izanami') and warns CioCio-San that unless her husband comes back, "there'll be nothing but trouble." She scolds Suzuki for her lack of faith and confidently predicts that one day his ship will appear on the horizon (`Un bel di vedremo'). Sharpless sees her with the intention of reading a recent letter from Pinkerton. Starving for company and brimming with questions, Cio-Cio-San doesn't allow Sharpless to read the missive. Sharpless' task is further frustrated by Goro, who lurks outside with Prince Yamadori, the latest in a long line of suitors hoping for the young woman's hand. Cio-Cio-San scoffs at Yamadori's offer and then dismisses the Prince and Goro. Once they are gone, Sharpless finally reads the letter to Cio-Cio-San, who excitedly interrupts the consul at the end of every hopeful sentence. Unable to cope with her reactions, Sharpless puts the letter away and asks her what she would do if Pinkerton never returned (Amico cercherete'). Slowly realizing the intent of Sharpless' words, Cio-Cio-San storms out, returning with a child on her shoulder. She insists the consul tell Pinkerton about the child, optimistic the officer will return once he knows about his baby ('Che tua madre dovra prenderti'). Sharpless, distraught over Cio-Cio-San's condition, leaves with the promise to pass along her message. A cannon shot is heard coming from the harbor. Cio-Cio-San spies Pinkerton's ship dropping anchor. Overcome with anticipation, she and Suzuki strew flowers everywhere. Cio-Cio-San changes into her wedding gown and obi so that Pinkerton will see her the way she was on that memorable day. As dawn breaks, Suzuki awakens, insisting that Cio-Cio-San get some rest and promising to stir her if Pinkerton arrives. Suzuki is suddenly startled by the arrival of Sharpless and Pinkerton. An unknown woman waits outside. Suzuki insists on knowing who she is. Pinkerton cannot bring himself to answer. Finally Sharpless responds forcefully - she is Pinkerton's wife, Kate. Sharpless asks the distraught Suzuki to help convince Cio-Cio-San to give up the child, thinking it best for the young boy. Overcome by guilt, Pinkerton cannot face his Japanese wife and flees the home (Addio fiorito asil'). Cio-Cio-San breathlessly enters, sensing her husband has arrived. She cannot find Pinkerton but spots Kate instead. She instinctively knows this woman is Pinkerton's wife. Cio-Cio-San agrees to give up custody of her child, but only if Pinkerton himself comes to pick him up. Ordering Suzuki away, Cio-Cio-San pulls out the dagger her father used to commit suicide and reads the inscription on the blade: "Let him die with honor who can no longer live with honor."
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