Madama Butterfly Review: Star Soprano Celine Byrne Perfectly Suits Cio-Cio-San
In Irish National Opera’s staging of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Celine Byrne's portrayal of Cio-Cio-San is confident and forward-thinking rather than traditionally naive and vulnerable.
Set Design and Visual Impact
The opening overture, brief and bustling, fades into a casual discussion about traditional Japanese homes and their suspended sliding partitions. Designer Kat Heath expands this subtle detail into a striking set of massive movable panels that dominate the production from beginning to end.
- The large panels are imposing and fit perfectly on the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre’s spacious stage.
- Movement of the panels creates varied spaces — from intimate to exaggeratedly deep.
- Their neutral colors adapt to shifting moods and times of day through Jake Wiltshire’s lighting design.
- The panels allow for unexpected entrances and exits, enhancing dramatic surprises.
- At times, they give the impression of a camera lens zooming in and out, adding a cinematic feel.
The cinematic effect "contributes to a cinematic leavening throughout, something the production’s director, Daisy Evans, uses for emotional immediacy."
This innovative design supports the emotional intensity and immediacy of the opera under Daisy Evans’ direction.
Author's Summary
Celine Byrne’s commanding Cio-Cio-San shines within a visually striking, cinematic production that blends innovative design with emotional depth.
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