Warsaw’s production of Madame Butterfly, directed by Mariusz Treliński and Boris Kudliča, is celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Polish National Opera.
Hailed as “iconic” by opera superstar Plácido Domingo, the production has become a fixture in the opera house’s repertoire, garnering widespread acclaim for its unique approach to Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece.
Madame Butterfly, which tells the heart-wrenching story of a young Japanese woman, Cio-Cio San, forsaken by her American naval officer husband, has long been admired for its exploration of love, cultural conflict, and betrayal.
Yet, Treliński’s take on the opera diverges from traditional renditions. His production has been widely praised for its minimalist yet elegant style, steering clear of the stereotypical orientalism often associated with the piece.
Rather than focusing on the realism Puccini intended, Treliński says he presents a version of the opera that feels more like a meditation on the emotional and spiritual journey of the characters.
Reflecting on the enduring success of his production, Treliński told TVP World: “This opera is different from the usual staging of Madame Butterfly. I could even say that ours is against the wishes of Puccini who when writing this opera wanted realism or ‘verismo’.
“I created a show that’s unrealistic, metaphorical - more like a meditation than real life.
“It’s a bit of a miracle that 25 years later, it’s still part of the National Opera’s repertoire.
“Every time we consider removing it, people write letters begging for it to stay.”
The passionate following is a testament to the production's impact on audiences moved by its haunting portrayal of Cio-Cio San, who to mark the 25th anniversary is played by world-renowned soprano Aleksandra Kurzak.
Describing the role as challenging both technically and emotionally, especially as the character ends up committing suicide and leaving her three-year-old child behind, Kurzak told TVP World: “When I was singing the role of Cio-Cio San with my husband for the very first time, and it was time for me to stab myself with the knife, I was waiting for his cue but he didn’t sing so I had to do it anyway.
“I was Madame Butterfly. I had to die. Later I asked him why he didn’t sing and he explained that he suddenly realised what would it be like to be left alone with our child.”
The anniversary performances will continue throughout 2025, with key dates scheduled for January 31st and February 2nd.
Madame Butterfly, which tells the heart-wrenching story of a young Japanese woman, Cio-Cio San, forsaken by her American naval officer husband, has long been admired for its exploration of love, cultural conflict, and betrayal.
Yet, Treliński’s take on the opera diverges from traditional renditions. His production has been widely praised for its minimalist yet elegant style, steering clear of the stereotypical orientalism often associated with the piece.
Rather than focusing on the realism Puccini intended, Treliński says he presents a version of the opera that feels more like a meditation on the emotional and spiritual journey of the characters.
Reflecting on the enduring success of his production, Treliński told TVP World: “This opera is different from the usual staging of Madame Butterfly. I could even say that ours is against the wishes of Puccini who when writing this opera wanted realism or ‘verismo’.
“I created a show that’s unrealistic, metaphorical - more like a meditation than real life.
“It’s a bit of a miracle that 25 years later, it’s still part of the National Opera’s repertoire.
“Every time we consider removing it, people write letters begging for it to stay.”
The passionate following is a testament to the production's impact on audiences moved by its haunting portrayal of Cio-Cio San, who to mark the 25th anniversary is played by world-renowned soprano Aleksandra Kurzak.
Describing the role as challenging both technically and emotionally, especially as the character ends up committing suicide and leaving her three-year-old child behind, Kurzak told TVP World: “When I was singing the role of Cio-Cio San with my husband for the very first time, and it was time for me to stab myself with the knife, I was waiting for his cue but he didn’t sing so I had to do it anyway.
“I was Madame Butterfly. I had to die. Later I asked him why he didn’t sing and he explained that he suddenly realised what would it be like to be left alone with our child.”
The anniversary performances will continue throughout 2025, with key dates scheduled for January 31st and February 2nd.
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