Madama Butterfly Review: Star Soprano Celine Byrne as Cio-Cio-San
In the Irish National Opera’s production of Puccini’s 1904 Madama Butterfly, Celine Byrne portrays Cio-Cio-San as confident and progressive, moving away from the usual naive and vulnerable depiction.
Innovative Set Design
The overture features a brief conversation about traditional Japanese homes with sliding partitions, which designer Kat Heath expands into a striking set of large movable panels. These panels dominate the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre stage, shifting laterally and horizontally to create both intimate and exaggerated spaces.
Visual and Atmospheric Effects
- The panels are neutral in color, allowing lighting designer Jake Wiltshire to suggest mood and time of day effectively.
- They avoid distraction while enabling surprising reveals and concealments of characters.
- At times, the panels simulate the effect of a camera lens zooming in and out, adding a cinematic quality.
The production's director, Daisy Evans, employs this cinematic approach to heighten emotional immediacy.
This blend of design and direction enhances the opera's atmosphere while spotlighting Byrne's compelling performance.
Author's summary: Celine Byrne’s assured portrayal and the innovative set design combine to deliver a fresh, cinematic interpretation of Madama Butterfly that emphasizes emotional depth and visual storytelling.
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