Madama Butterfly review: Star soprano Celine Byrne excels as Cio-Cio-San
In the Irish National Opera’s production of Puccini’s 1904 Madama Butterfly, Celine Byrne presents a confident and modern Cio-Cio-San, moving away from the traditionally naive and vulnerable portrayal.
Innovative set design and staging
The brief, energetic overture transitions into a casual dialogue about traditional Japanese homes with their sliding partitions. Designer Kat Heath transforms this reference into a striking feature: huge movable panels dominate the stage throughout the opera.
- The large panels command attention on the spacious Bord Gáis Energy Theatre stage.
- Their versatile lateral and horizontal shifts create both intimate and exaggerated spaces.
- Neutral coloring allows mood and time of day to be defined by Jake Wiltshire’s lighting.
- The panels enable surprising reveals and concealments of characters.
- At times, the set mimics camera lens effects with zooming in and out, adding cinematic flair.
This cinematic element enhances emotional immediacy, a technique director Daisy Evans effectively employs.
The production merges innovative stagecraft with strong performances, offering a fresh and engaging experience of Puccini’s classic work.
Author’s summary: Celine Byrne shines in a bold, modern Madama Butterfly brought to life by inventive staging and cinematic direction, delivering a fresh take on a beloved opera.
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