Classical 89 InterviewPuccini’s Madame Butterfly

​Matthew Ozawa’s recent adaptation of Madame Butterfly offers a bold, thought-provoking reinterpretation of Puccini’s beloved classic. In this striking new production, Ozawa reimagines the opera as the virtual reality fantasy of a modern American man, creating a compelling and contemporary framework through which audiences can explore the opera’s enduring themes of love, betrayal, and cultural collision. By blending traditional elements with innovative staging and technology, this Madame Butterfly challenges viewers to reflect on the ways fantasy and reality intertwine—and the consequences when illusions are shattered.

To delve deeper into the creative process behind this production, join Eric Glissmeyer of Classical 89 for an engaging conversation with director Matthew Ozawa. They will be joined by soprano Hiromi Omura, who brings emotional depth and nuance to the role of Cio-Cio San, and tenor Eric Taylor, who portrays the conflicted Lt. Pinkerton. Together, they will offer insights into the artistic choices that shaped this reimagining, discuss the opera’s evolving relevance in today’s world, and share behind-the-scenes stories from bringing this visionary production to life.

Don’t miss this production of Madame Butterfly—a stunning convergence of traditional opera and modern visual artistry, where inventive design and bold storytelling amplify the emotional and aesthetic power of Puccini’s enduring masterpiece.