Puppetry in Madama Butterfly

Kevin Augustine, Tom Lee, and Jonothon Lyons explain how they breathe life into the puppet that acts as Cio-Cio-San’s child in Anthony Minghella’s production. Videography by Pete Scalzitti / Met Opera

[@jenandpaulmartin2856]

I saw this production last Saturday (the 9th). I will admit that when the first puppet came out I had negative feelings but it didn't take very long to forget that they were puppets. I don't think I have ever been more moved watching a performance. Bravo to all of you. Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes detail.

[@maryraffaele5671]

I saw this production last night and it was absolutely gorgeous. And the puppets, especially the boy, brought out a lot of emotion for everyone in my party. I don't understand the negative comments here.

[@frankmeng2791]

Why not just use a real boy?

[@brigittequerre8319]

je pense que c'est très long et tard pour un enfant....j'ai vu cette mise en scène sur "mezzo" et j'ai trouvé cette "pupett" (marionnette) très émouvante...

[@ESilva-gw9ig]

I am sorry to say but the use of pupperty does not add anything relevant to the story. The biggest problem with modern directors is to introduce alien elements to the plot according to their own conceptions and despising the composer and libretist's original ideas. As much as this seems to be very intelectual, it is many times offensive or useless. More traditional approches work better, in general. Personal opinion, of course.

[@brigittequerre8319]

Personnellement j'ai vu une retransmission du MET avec cette marionnette (pupett)....Je l'ai trouvée très émouvante...et plus vraie que la réalité....de plus, ce n'est pas vraiment la place d'un enfant!...

[@ESilva-gw9ig]

@@brigittequerre8319 Chacun a son goût, ma chérie.

[@noahdmnc]

I disagree with the assessment that it is alien. Puppetry is well within the tradition of Japanese theatre, and I presume the director wanted to acknowledge that tradition. Although I do agree that the puppetry shown here, unfortunately, is uncanny. Japanese puppet artists train for at least ten years before going on stage, and I feel like the art form is not really given justice.

[@lesleyheller2271]

Lovely puppet, but the child is supposed look white like his father and have blond hair. It's integral to the story!

[@Bacchusmbt]

That's not a puppet onstage.

[@Charlotte-iu8he]

thank you

[@jakelingarcia6302]

Estuvo inovador, me causo gusto el títere, 🖤

[@pedinurse1]

Absolutely stunning production, the puppeteers are amazing. At first I said What but then I just believed it was a child

[@andrewOT1939]

I completely agree with E. Silva and Shesh . Found it eery and even repulsive. Distracting and adds nothing to a more or less realistic conception

[@justinleemiller]

The first opera I saw at the Met was the old production of Madama Butterfly. It was gorgeous. I hope they do more grand opera designs, not small abstract stuff. That is the heart and soul of the art form.

[@MrAdremiguel]

?????????????? No es más sencillo un niño de carne y hueso !!!!!!!

[@pedinurse1]

no

[@Salma-ln1kv]

I still don't understand the use of the puppet and its significance but personally I find it eerie and repulsive

[@scordero12]

It is honoring Bunraku - traditional Japanese puppetry. I think it was a nice touch from Anthony Minghella to add Japanese puppetry to a Japanese themed opera

[@bassethound1]

I found it moving and profound. And immensely better than the bored performances from so many in this role.

[@barbararamires1191]

Wtf