Synopsis

Nagasaki, Japan; late 19th century

Act I—A house overlooking the harbor

Goro, a marriage broker, introduces Lt. Pinkerton to the home and servants he has leased for the American naval officer and his bride, a young geisha called Butterfly. The American consul Sharpless arrives and warns Pinkerton not to take his commitment to Butterfly lightly. Butterfly and her companions arrive. Goro answers Pinkerton’s awkward question about the sword Butterfly’s father used to commit suicide. The marriage contract is signed. Butterfly’s uncle disrupts the celebration to curse her for leaving her religion and her family. Pinkerton instructs the servants to prepare the house for the evening. Finally alone, Pinkerton and Butterfly proclaim their love.

Act II—Three years later

The patient Butterfly reassures Suzuki that Pinkerton will return one day. Goro and Sharpless arrive. Goro introduces Prince Yamadori as a new suitor for Butterfly, but she refuses to consider the idea. When Goro and the prince have left, Sharpless reads Pinkerton’s letter and Butterfly brings in Pinkerton’s son. Deeply distressed, Sharpless leaves. Suzuki and Butterfly threaten Goro, who has been disparaging Butterfly’s son. They are interrupted by the sound of a cannon from Pinkerton’s ship in the harbor. Butterfly and Suzuki gather all the flowers in the garden, decorate the house, dress Butterfly in her wedding kimono, and prepare to keep vigil for Pinkerton’s arrival.

Act III—The next morning

Butterfly takes the child off to bed. Sharpless arrives with Lt. Pinkerton and his new wife, Kate. They ask Suzuki to help in securing a future for Pinkerton’s son. Pinkerton, full of remorse, runs off. When Butterfly sees Kate, she realizes why Pinkerton has come. She promises to hand over the child in half an hour. Kate and Sharpless leave. Butterfly sends her son off with Suzuki and produces her father’s sword. As she points the blade to her throat, Suzuki pushes the child into the room. Butterfly bids him a desperate farewell, blindfolds him, and seats him with his toys and an American flag. She stabs herself and Pinkerton’s voice is heard calling her name.

By Karl W. Hesser
© 2001, 2008 Florida Grand Opera