The first theatre performance following the summer break is one of the most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, directed by Dražen Siriščević and conducted by maestro Valentin Egel, this Friday, September 10 at 8 PM. It is a lyrical tragedy about the fate of the Japanese woman Cio-Cio San, who will be embodied by the singer with a nightingale voice, Anamarija Knego. The role of frivolous American naval officer Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton will be sung by beloved tenor Aljaž Farasin.
This is the story of the young Butterfly and her loyal love for an American officer whose return she patiently awaits for a full three years only to be met with an unbearable betrayal – a meeting with Pinkerton’s new wife, Kate. It is a deeply touching story, one imbued with Japanese tradition and a strong sense of honor that will leave no one feeling indifferent to. Giacomo Puccini himself called it his most successful opera.
Music with oriental motifs, tragic lyrics, excellent soloists, choir and orchestra, costumes by Juraj Zigman and set design by Slaven Raos deliver a breath of Japan to the Rijeka stage. After Friday’s performance, the show is further scheduled for September 25 and October 12, 14 and 16. Be sure to check the calendar to find out which of the performances require a Covid pass and which do not.
