Madama Butterfly: Japan and its Western Representations
In collaboration with the North Carolina Opera’s performance of Madama Butterfly
October 24, 2015
On February 17, 1904, nine days after the start of the Russo-Japanese war—a conflict that confirmed Japan’s status as a major world power–Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly was first performed. The opera has been among the most beloved and produced pieces in the genre ever since. This seminar will introduce participants to the opera’s origins, music, and context, and the variety of ways it’s been staged. While participants will appreciate the in-depth examination of the piece itself, this seminar will also feature discussions of the meanings, risks, and rewards of cross-cultural representations. In an age where “cultural appropriation” is frowned upon, where does this century-old classic stand? Participants will have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets for the NC Opera production of Madama Butterfly.
Topics & Speakers
Staging Madama Butterfly through the Ages
Eric Mitchko, General Director, North Carolina Opera
One Fine Day (or not): Some Problems in the Music of Madama Butterfly
Tim Carter, David G. Frey Distinguished Professor of Music
Three Divas of Japan
Jan Bardsley, Professor of Asian Studies
Pinning the Butterfly: Western Accounts of “Madame Butterfly”
Inger S. B. Brodey, Bank of America Distinguished Term Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature
Engagement or Appropriation: Art, Aesthetics, and the Other
A panel discussion with our speakers
Time & Cost
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2015. The tuition is $140 ($125 by September 3). Tuition for teachers is $70 ($62.50 by September 3). Teachers can also receive a $75 stipend after attending (click here for more information) and 10 contact hours for 1 unit of renewal credit. Lunch is included.
Exclusive Ticket Offer: Discounted tickets are available for the NC Opera performances on Fri. Oct 30, 2015 8:00 PM or Sun Nov 1, 2015 3:00 PM. The special pricing is for select ORCH Level seating at $60 (normally priced at $95). Tickets won’t last long! Ask how you can purchase them when you register for this seminar.
For information about lodging click here.
Co-Sponsored by the General Alumni Association.
For information about GAA discounts and other scholarships available to Humanities Program participants, click here.