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Opera
to some is the practise of large men with even larger voices parading
on stage in a somewhat heroic manner (at least that's what I always
thought anyway).
But
considering the closest thing I've come to opera is seeing Russ
Abbott impersonating a grossly oversized Pavarotti I don't think
I'm really one to judge.
As
I arrived at The New Theatre to see 'Madama Butterfly' I gathered
my thoughts.
Maybe
I wouldn't understand what was going on, they were singing in Italian
after all. What if it went on for hours and I began to snore even
more loudly than the large men could sing?
I'm
pleased to report that I was pleasantly surprised. Madama Butterfly
is based in Japan and focuses on a former Geisha girl, Cio-Cio-San
(Rosa Lee Thomas) who manages to escape her past life by consenting
to marry Lieutenant Pinkerton (Akhmed Agadi) of the American Navy.
Butterfly
falls obsessively in love with Pinkerton, choosing to prove her
devotion by not only disowning her religion, in favour of an "American
God" but also her family.
Pinkerton
however is working to a different agenda. He desires the fifteen-year-old
but that is the limit of his affection and even before the marriage
is consummated he knows he will soon leave his new bride.
I
think it is probably obvious from this point that things don't get
much better for poor Madama Butterfly.
So
if you are looking for an uplifting tale, this probably isn't the
show for you.
But
if having a good old cry is top of your night's schedule you couldn't
help but be moved by Thomas' goose-bump inducing voice and her outstanding
portrayal of Butterfly's love and sorrow.
Thankfully
there were sub-titles - so no need to confer with friends on what
on earth was going on.
At
first they were a little difficult to follow, merely because I was
trying to take in every last detail of the oriental set, but after
a few minutes I didn't even notice them.
I
think I can safely say that my mind has been changed about opera
for the best, thanks to Puccini.
I
think 'Madama Butterfly' is perfect for the first time opera goer
due to its small cast (so its easy to remember who's who), its simple
storyline and its length (there's only two acts so no need to worry
about snoring).
I
would still rather go and see a good musical over an opera, but
I think I could be persuaded to go and see another soon. At least
next time there wouldn't be the pre-show nerves.
By
Cherry Jordan
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