Vancouver Opera’s anniversary season will close with a visually captivating Madama Butterfly. Sets and costumes were designed by Japanese sculptor Jun Kaneko, who has never tried his hand at opera before. Jonathan Darlington sends impressions from the dress rehearsal on the colourful stage.
Although Vancouver Opera has a reputation for collaborating with exceptional visual artists, in this production original and execution seem to come together in a very fitting and surprising way. The Georgia Straight writes:
The result is, not surprisingly, an artful Butterfly unlike any that audiences have seen before. Vancouver fans can expect a boldly visual and yet minimalistic, abstracted take on an opera that is usually presented in exotic, historical Japanese detail.
Japanese soprano Mihoko Kinoshita will give her Canadian debut in her signature role of Cio Cio San. She will be joined by James Valenti’s youthful Pinkerton. Hear them both in a sneak peek:
Video by Bombshelter Productions & Mike McKinley
The plot summary in the form of the obligatory Opera Manga by Roy Hussada seems especially fitting this time.
Next performances are June 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10. For further information and more interviews and videos see: www.vancouveropera.ca
Posted by JKL, 29 May, 2010
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