Saved events

Huang Ruo’s M. Butterfly

,Hall
Kangmin Justin Kim and Mark Stone

Kangmin Justin Kim (Song Liling) and Mark Stone (René Gallimard), photo by Curtis Brown for the Santa Fe Opera

A smash-hit Broadway play turned movie, David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly metamorphoses into music theatre as the UK premiere of Huang Ruo’s operatic reworking takes wing.

Love, betrayal, self-deception. The themes of M. Butterfly intertwine with those of Puccini’s achingly tragic opera; but here they’re ingeniously upended as the action is relocated to Paris and Mao’s China. Nothing is quite what it seems. Stereotypes are challenged, power struggles realigned. Reprising their roles from the 2022 Santa Fe world premiere, Kangmin Justin Kim is the alluring Chinese opera singer of the title, with Mark Stone as René Gallimard, a man whose life is about to implode in more ways than one.

Carolyn Kuan ‘conducts with empathy’ says the New York Times of the Santa Fe performances; Kangmin Justin Kim’s creation of the title role was described by Opera Today as ‘electrifying … his raw, fearless acting balanced by some of the most sublime, emotionally invested, beautifully coloured vocalising of the season’. 

Tagged with: Classical music Young Barbican Stories through Sound More...

This production contains nudity, graphic language, and a depiction of self-harm.

This performance will end at approximately 10.30pm with a 20 minute interval.

Co-produced by the Barbican and BBC Symphony Orchestra

Programme

  • Huang Ruo   M. Butterfly (concert staging)

Performers

  • BBC Symphony Orchestra  
  • Carolyn Kuan   conductor
  • Kangmin Justin Kim   Song Liling
  • Mark Stone   René Gallimard
  • Fleur Barron   Comrade Chin/Shu Fung
  • Kevin Burdette   Manuel Toulon/Judge
  • Charne Rochford   Marc
  • James Robinson   director
  • Kimberley S Prescott   re-staging director
  • BBC Singers  

Digital programme

Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.