A new kind of Madame Butterfly flies into Sydney Opera House

The Madam is back – and this time with a whole new experience for the most seasoned of opera-goers amongst us.

For the longest time, the production from the inner sanctum of creativity that was the mind of now retired artistic director Moffat Oxenbould that saw the Madam take to a traditionally Japanese-inspired set, perforated throughout with animated, faceless avatars captured hearts and minds in each and every production between Sydney and Melbourne.

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But now, the Madam will be treated to a shake-up of the 21st century variety.

A few years back, Opera Australia invested in some ten-metre tall digital screens that are as interactive as they are mobile, suspended from the ceiling of the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage and able to be positioned in any way the new creative direction dictates.

These will be used to full effect in this 2022-and-on production of Madame Butterfly, allowing for a complete re-imagining of Puccini’s masterpiece as a complete dystopian masterpiece.

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Surprisingly stark but beautiful, the creative dream team of director/choreographers Graeme Murphy and

Janet Vernon, designer Michael Scott-Mitchell, costume designer Jennifer Irwin and video designer Sean

Nieuwenhuis crafted a Butterfly unlike any other production seen in Australia.

It’ll be captivating, dynamic, symbolistic and come complete with a backdrop and towering robotic servants with which the singers interact.

Striking costume designs draw on a range of eras, from burlesque to cartoons and sci fi.

Is Madame Butterfly by Opera Australia a must-see? That’s putting it far too lightly.

Performance information

Evenings at 7:30pm

June 29

July 1, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 20, 22, 26

Saturday Matinee at 12.30pm

July 30

Running time

Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including one interval

For tickets and more information, go to the Opera Australia website