| Very often I find myself playing the role of the opera purist, rigidly demanding the intentions of the composer and librettist be respected to the letter. But today, just a little to my surprise, I find myself praising the Francesca Zambello - Michael Yeargan "Butterfly" - a revisionist production, which was preceded by considerable notoriety before it opened here in San Diego last night (Saturday, March 7). As a veteran of countless "Butterflies" accumulated over a lifetime, I went to this presentation feeling I could not possibly respond to the opera yet again - Yet, . . . I found this production to be powerfully effective, visually and dramatically. Yeargan's conception of Puccini's popular opera occupies a symbolist universe where the action shifts back and forth between naturalism and surrealism. The traditional Japanese elements are often merely suggested by teak and paper hangings and a wooden frame proscenium inset, while the gorgeous costumes are utterly specific with regard to early 20th-century styling. Brilliantly colorful lighting effects and striking visual imagery enrich an intense theatrical experience full of telling nuances. (Review) |
