The Butterfly’s return

CEBU, Philippines - The immortal opera Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini returned to the Philippines after an absence of almost two decades.

Staged by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and MusicArtes Inc., the three-act opera based on the short story of the same name by John Luther Long was presented at the CCP Main Theater recently.

Japanese soprano Mako Nishimoto made her international debut as the geisha Cio-Cio San. The champion of Japan’s national music tilts, the Tuzuki Music Awards and the NHK awards, she has portrayed a rainbow of roles such as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Mimì in La Bohème, and Micaëla in Carmen, received a standing ovation at the end of each spectacular performance.

The Mexican tenor Dante Alcalá, who recently sang for over 60,000 people at the Klassic Open Air in Nuremberg, Germany, portrayed the American lieutenant, Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton. The accomplished singer has participated in a variety of productions, including Il Trovatore, Macbeth, Mulata de Córdoba, Juditha Triumphant, La Traviata, Tosca, Boheme, and many more, as well.

The best Filipino artists were featured in the Manila production. Acclaimed soprano Camille Lopez-Molina played the servant Suzuki, while US-based baritone Andrew Fernando was Sharpless, Pinkerton’s best friend.

Jonathan Velasco, Lemuel de la Cruz, John Glenn Gaerlan, Nonon Baang, Jun Jaranilla, Fame Flores, Jade Riccio, members of Viva Voce, and graduates of the UP College of Music, UST Conservatory, and St. Scholastica’s College were also in the production.

Maestro Francisco Feliciano was the musical director. Maestro Lim Yau of Singapore was the guest conductor for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

World-renowned director Dr. Anton Juan combined traditional and contemporary concepts in the latest production. The story of faithful Cio-Cio San waiting for the return of her Pinkerton was now narrated by their son. The turn-of-the-century setting was also pushed forward to tail-end of World War II. The re-imagined staging, according to the director, made the story more relatable to Filipinos, who remember that difficult period in history, and some of today’s Filipinas, who, just like the Butterfly, seek a better economic future.

Notably, young artist Leeroy New, best known for his macabre sculptures and a rubber dress co-created for international pop star Lady Gaga, made the set and costumes, which included the LED-infused wardrobe worn by dancers, while sought after lighting expert John Batalla staged the lighting effects and design. (FREEMAN)