‘Madama Butterfly’, which is considered to be one of the most prominent plays by Henry Hwang, was presented at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Canada. It told the story of a young Japanese geisha Cio-Cio-San who dreamt of a happy marriage to the American naval officer. The people who managed to visit this performance were considerably struck by the actors’ play on the stage.
It is necessary to stress that Yannick-Muriel Noah performed the title role of the geisha demonstrating magnificent soprano through gloriously compelling rendition of passive aggressiveness. The play of this actress appeared to be the true treasure of the production; tenor Bryan Hymel, acted as lt. Pinkerton, falling in love with Butterfly and then, leaving her. It should be noted that this actor managed to demonstrate the combination of vocal and physical swagger, making his debut really impressing.
The theatre production highlighted the true feelings of two people whose interests could never be united by one common desire to follow their big love. Butterfly strives to show her devotion to American God rejecting own religion and family; while Pinkerton is concentrated on the most important thing of his life – his work. The man is aware of his leaving the bride even before the marriage perceiving her as the one more object of his affection.
Speaking about this performance in Toronto, it is necessary to underline the idea that the professional cast made the production marvelous; baritone Brett Polegato’s superb work in the role of American consul Sharpless, demonstrated a strong voice and powerful sense of compassion and humanity. Besides, one should stress that the roles of Suzuki, the serving girl, played by mezzo Anita Krause, insinuating marriage broker by tenor John Kriter, and Pinkerton’s wife by Laura Albino, impressed the audience of the event by the depth of professional play and reflection of personal feelings through the roles. By the way, it was vividly demonstrated, how the actors managed to live their roles’ lives and played naturally and dramatically.
The designer of the play was Susan Benson managed to create the atmosphere of Japanese culture transferring the mood of the play to the audience; it is necessary to underline professionalism of Jack Diamond, the architect, who created elegantly muted colors and put finishing touches to simple design of the opera, which made the visitors’ hearts beating faster and faster with every next stage. The central purpose in the creation of hall and production was aimed at showcasing the performance artistry reflecting the feelings of their heroes.
Madama Butterfly is referred to the most recent stages of Four Seasons Centre; it contributed to the increase of the people number loving musical plays through the depth if this production. It is necessary to underline the idea that the performance appeared to become the audience’ favorite through Puccini’s score soaring musicality, wonderful Macdonald’s tagging, and elegant design of Benson.
References
Becker, H. Art as Collective Action. American Sociological Review. Vol.39. 1974.
Coulbourn, J. Madama Butterfly. Play Review. 2009. Web.