Opera Philadelphia’s 2023-2024 Season closes with a new production of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.”

The new production designed by Yuki Izumihara and directed by Ethan Heard seeks to explore ─ and explode ─ the opera’s core, damaging stereotype of “the submissive, self-sacrificing Asian woman.”

In a statement, Izumihara said, “Puccini trapped his Butterfly in a beautiful score. In turn, ‘Madame Butterfly’ has become a trap, as AAPI artists are asked to lend it authenticity and life in new productions that promise much but change little. To liberate ourselves from Puccini’s beautiful trap, we propose accepting Cio Cio San as the puppet he created and rendering her as such onstage. Through this form, the production becomes a cautionary tale, examining how ongoing misrepresentation in content and character portrayal affects us all and takes over, unless and until we put our emphasis on the future ─ positivity and empowerment.”

Taiwanese soprano Karen Chia-ling Ho makes her Opera Philadelphia debut as the spirit of Cio Cio San alongside Anthony Ciaramitaro, Anthony Clark Evans, and Kristen Choi. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducts.