ENO Baylis, the education arm of English National Opera, is holding a special family event on 17 February in which participants can learn more about Puccini’s opera Madam Butterfly, which returns to the London Coliseum on 31 January.
The event, which runs from 10:30-13:00, allows families to explore the themes and music of Madam Butterfly through drama, singing and movement, working with the puppeteers who bring Butterfly’s child, Sorrow, to life on stage.
Anthony Minghella’s production of Madam Butterfly was first staged at the London Coliseum in 2005, becoming a sell-out success and winning the 2006 Best New Opera Production Laurence Olivier Award. It was revived in 2006 and now returns to the venue for the third time, from 31 January to 7 March, with a cast including Judith Howarth in the title role, Gwyn Hughes Jones, Ashley Holland, Karen Cargill, Christopher Gillett, Paul Whelan, William Berger and Madeleine Shaw. This revival is directed by Carolyn Choa, after Minghella’s original direction, and conducted by David Parry.
Tickets for the family event cost £4 each, and children must be accompanied by a participating adult. To book, call the London Coliseum box office on 0871 472 0800.
CB