Commencing his 2024/25 season, Christopher Maltman will portray Sharpless in Madama Butterfly at the Opéra Bastille in Paris, with performances scheduled for September 14, 17, 22, 25, 28, and October 1, 6, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, and 25. Mr. Maltman will be joined by a distinguished cast including Eleanora Buratto and Elena Stikhina alternating as Cio-Cio San, Stefan Pop as Pinkerton, Aude Extrémo as Suzuki, and Carlo Bosi as Goro.

Under the baton of Speranza Scapucci, this revival production showcases Robert Wilson’s acclaimed staging from 1993, originally created for the Paris Opera. Wilson’s approach offers a refined perspective on Puccini’s classic, moving away from traditional Japanese clichés in favor of a stark, minimalist aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from Butoh—a Japanese dance form known for its slow-motion, poetic, and minimalistic qualities—the stunning production delivers a unique and evocative vision of the tragic opera.

Photo: Chris Singer