Reversing the Madame Butterfly Effect

Most opera companies present Madame Butterfly because of Puccini’s beautiful melodies. But not everyone can see themselves in this story. As a historically white and European art form, opera has a history of using cultural appropriation to tell stories. Madame Butterfly was one of the first on-stage depictions of Asian women for the Western world and because of its popularity, this opera perpetuated and reinforced many stereotypes of Asian women: subservient geishas who are the epitome of sexuality; historical victims willing to do anything—to the point of killing themselves—because of their love for a man.

"Reversing the Madame Butterfly Effect: Asian American Women Reinvent Themselves Onstage" is an evening of three short plays by Asian American women playwrights who are using the stage to contrast longstanding stereotypes with the reality of their own identities. The plays will be followed by a discussion on reclaiming Asian female representation in art and entertainment. The event is curated by celebrated actor and arts leader Kathy Hsieh and presented in partnership with SIS Productions.