Puccini's spectacular opera 'Madama Butterfly' is being presented on a national tour by the renowned opera company, Opera Box, and will be performed at Lampeter House on Friday, August 6.
Pinkerton is a dashing officer with a philandering heel, enlisted in the United States Navy, who upon arrival in Japan becomes infatuated with the 15-year-old Butterfly, cognisant of her fragility, but not content with life unless he makes his treasure the 'flowers on every shore', he sets in pursuance of her affection.
The stage for the tragedy is set. We meet the beauteous Cio-Cio San, not a complete innocent - she has been a geisha - but nonetheless fragile, unworldly, and in love with the handsome sailor. She deceives herself, despite abundant warnings, as to Pinkerton's motives.
The tale unfolds with well written dialogue, sung to music which captures the feelings of love, yearning and pain, raising the entire experience into the realm of great art, transcendently moving. This simple plot provides the vehicle for the arias of love, loss, hope and despair.
Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca, Italy and descended from a long line of musicians, composers and conductors. Puccini emerged into the 20th Century music world as the 'King of Verismo', he wrote solely for the operatic stage and he understood the dramatic intensity and poignancy of real life subject matter.
Opera Box's beautifully presented production of 'Madama Butterfly' features exceptional costumes and some of the finest singers in the country and is directed by Andrew Gallacher, with musical direction by Fraser Goulding and Murray Hipkin, costume design by Gabriella Ingram, and lighting design by Ian Andrews.
Madama Butterfly will be presented at venues across the UK and will be performing at Lampeter House, Lampeter Velfrey, on Friday, August 6. To book your tickets contact them on 01834 869380 or visit http://www.lampeterhouse.com">www.lampeterhouse.com.
FOOTNOTE: Open auditions for the casting of 'Sorrow' will take place on Saturday, July 24. 'Sorrow' is a non-speaking, non-singing part that will be played by a child.
The successful child will be five-years-old, small for their age and of calm disposition. 'Sorrow' is a male part, but could be awarded to the right girl.
The auditions will be held at Lampeter House next Saturday at 10.30 am (and 2.30 pm if necessary).
All participants should pre-register by calling (01834) 869249.
The winner of the auditions will only be required to take part in one rehearsal and one performance at Lampeter Velfrey on August 6.