Madame Butterfly - 1982

Synopsis

Act I

American navy lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton inspects the house he has leased from Goro the marriage broker who has also procured his geisha wife Cio-Cio-San. The American Consul Sharpless arrives breathless from the climb from Nagasaki far below. Pinkerton shows him the house which like his Japaness bride is leased for ninety-nine years subject to monthly renewal. This arrangement fits perfectly with the young sailor’s easy philosophy (Dovunque al mondo). Sharpless warns that his bride seems to take their marriage far more seriously, but caution is swept aside with the arrival of Cio-Cio-San and her geisha friends (Spira sul mare). She confesses to Pinkerton that she has embraced his Christian faith and casts aside her ancestral beliefs. The Imperial Commissioner arrives, and the marriage is performed. After Sharpless and the Commissioner leave, the wedding party is interrupted by Butterfly’s Uncle the Bonze who curses her to renouncing her religion (Cio-Cio-San!). Pinkerton angrily demands the Bonze and family leave, and comforts his new bride (Viene la sera). Cio-Cio-San joins Pinkerton in the moonlit garden where they sing of their love.

Act II

Three years have passed with Cio-Cio-San awaiting the return of Pinkerton. As her maid Suzuki prays to the ancient gods, Butterfly remains convinced that her husband will return. She tells the dubious Suzuki how she pictures his arrival (Un bel di, vedremo). Sharpless arrives with a letter from Pinkerton, but before he can relate the news Goro arrives with Prince Yamadori, a wealthy suitor for Butterfly’s hand. She refuses his advances and dismisses him. Alone with Butterfly, Sharpless tries to tell her that Pinkerton may never return. She shows Sharpless her young child confident that when Pinkerton hears of his son he will return. Sharpless leaves unable to tell Butterfly that Pinkerton has an American wife. A cannon shot from the harbor announces the arrival of the U.S. Ship Abraham Lincoln. It is Pinkerton’s ship, and joyfully Butterfly and Suzuki decorate the house with flower petals for his return. (Gettiamo a mani piede). As night falls Cio-Cio-San, Suzuki and the child wait for Pinkerton (Humming Chorus).

Act III

Suzuki seeing the sun rise insists that Butterfly and the child rest. Butterfly takes the sleepy baby to another room (Dormi amor mio). Soon Sharpless and Pinkerton arrive with Kate, the American wife. When Suzuki learns who the strange woman is, she collapses in despair (Che giova? Che giova?). Sharpless persuades her to help break the news to Butterfly. Overcome by his guilt Pinkerton cannot face Butterfly and leaves the scene of his former happiness (Addio fiorito asil). Cio-Cio-San enters and discovers Kate. Knowing she has been abandoned she agrees to give up her child if Pinkerton returns for him. She sends the sobbing Suzuki away and takes the dagger used by her father for his suicide and prepares to die. Suzuki pushes the child into the room, and Cio-Cio-San tearfully bids him goodbye (Tu, piccolo Iddio!) Then, taking him to play she ends her life as Pinkerton’s voice is heard calling her name.