PUCCINI lovers are in for a treat with the Russian State Opera’s latest production of Madam Butterfly.
The opera is based on the love story of a young Japanese girl and an American naval officer and the prejudices against inter marriage at the turn of the century.
It was first performed in 1904 - the year the story it is set - and has been presented in many guises, including the musical Miss Saigon, which is loosely based on the original story.
The latest traditional production, by the Russian State Opera, is returning to Swindon as part of a spring tour and tickets are on sale now.
More than 30 musicians make up the full orchestra, under the baton of Azat Maksutov. The cast will sing Giacomo Puccini's tragic opera in Italian with English subtitles.
The story centres on Lieutenant Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton and his marriage of convenience to Ciocio-san. Cio-cio means Butterfly in Japanese.
Butterfly falls in love with him, but he leaves for America soon after the wedding. She bears his son, and believing her love is returned, she waits loyally for him in Nagasaki. Three years later he returns - but with an American wife.
Madam Butterfly comes to the Wyvern Theatre on Tuesday, February 16 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £30, £33, £36, concessions £2 off from 01793 524481. - Flicky Harrison
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