The production of Madama Butterfly that was performed at Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa marked a new step in the outstanding career of Daniela Dessì. In addition to performing as the protagonist, she successfully dealt with her first opera direction.
The setting designed by Beni Montresor in 1995 was kept, but Dessì’s work focused on the core of drama: the scenes, the platform that stood for the home of Cio-Cio-San as well as her deepest feelings, and the backdrop with a screen illustrating a branch of cherry tree that fades along with the emotions of the protagonist, work as a diaphragm between real life and the illusion of Butterfly. The other characters cross this screen, keeping alive or destroying the hopes of Cio-Cio-San, until she makes her final decision, that set her free from the male supremacy and social pressure.
All the elements and colors want to reflect the emotional happenings in the life of Butterfly, making the audience empathize with the protagonist.
The version has been chosen for this production is the one which took place in Brescia, three months after the flop of the debut in Milan in 1904. Here the notes of local colour of the Japanese culture are emphasized and some Butterfly’s relatives are introduced, in addition to giving more space to the character of Kate.
Daniela Dessì, a Butterfly by reference of our times, played the title role with the usual emotional intensity. The public really appreciated her performance, underlining the success of this double challenge.
Courtesy photo Marcello Orselli
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Version Teatro Grande di Brescia, 1904
18 February – 2 March 2014
Teatro Carlo Felice, Genova
Conductor Valerio Galli
Stage director Daniela Dessì
Set designer Beni Montresor
Costumes Alice Montini
Lighting design Luciano Novelli
Orchestra of Teatro Carlo Felice
Chorus of Teatro Carlo Felice
Cio Cio San Daniela Dessì
Suzuki Renata Lamanda
Kate Pinkerton Marina Ogii
F.B. Pinkerton Fabio Armiliato
Sharpless Stefano Antonucci
Goro Enrico Salsi