Duration
2 hrs 40 mins - 2 hrs 45 mins with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until March 25, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for all ages
Why Watch Madama Butterfly?
- Puccini’s timeless tragedy unfolds through the story of Cio-Cio-San, whose hope, heartbreak, and devotion drive one of opera’s most affecting narratives.
- Acclaimed sopranos Guanqun Yu, Vittoria Yeo, and Olivia Cranwell lead this revival, guided by conductors Andrea Battistoni, Erina Yashima, and Paul Fitzsimon.
- Back by popular demand, Moffatt Oxenbould’s celebrated production returns with its candlelit moat, sliding screens, and traditional-inspired costumes.
- Themes of longing, betrayal, and cultural collision intersect with a score that moves from the quiet tension of the Humming Chorus to the soaring power of Un bel dì.
- Playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater, this staging is “superb from beginning to end” (Bachtrack). Book your tickets to the Madama Butterfly opera in Sydney now!
Madama Butterfly in Sydney is Puccini’s sweeping tale of Cio-Cio-San, a young woman whose hopes for a new life collide with the indifference of U.S. naval officer Pinkerton. Driven by Puccini’s richly textured score, from the fragile lyricism of the Humming Chorus to the operatic heights of Un bel dì, the opera offers an emotionally direct experience that resonates long after the final scene. This Sydney season revives Moffatt Oxenbould’s award-winning staging, known for its floating-flower moat, sliding shoji screens, and design inspired by Japanese aesthetics. International talents, including Guanqun Yu, Vittoria Yeo, Olivia Cranwell, Oreste Cosimo, and Robert Watson, lead the cast, joined by Australian Opera regulars under the batons of Andrea Battistoni, Erina Yashima, and Paul Fitzsimon. With strong critical acclaim across seasons, this revival continues to draw both long-time opera lovers and first-timers.
Storyline
Set in early 20th-century Nagasaki, Madama Butterfly follows Cio-Cio-San, a young woman who believes her marriage to American officer Pinkerton will bring stability and respect. Their bond, however, is built on unequal expectations: her devotion contrasts with his casual detachment. As she builds a future around his promised return, those around her warn of the dangers of misplaced faith. Across ritual, silence, and anticipation, the opera builds toward a devastating confrontation between hope and reality. When Pinkerton’s ship finally returns to port, Cio-Cio-San must face a truth she has long refused to see. Will her resolve hold when everything she built begins to fracture?
Show timings
Show timings for Madama Butterfly may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles:
Keyboard: Amy Hsu
Cio-Cio-San: Guanqun Yu (Jan 3–Feb 4), Vittoria Yeo (Feb 7–Mar 7), and Olivia Cranwell (Mar 11–Mar 25)
Pinkerton: Robert Watson (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Oreste Cosimo (Feb 7–Mar 25)
Suzuki: Sian Sharp (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Angela Hogan (Feb 7–Mar 25)
Sharpless: Samuel Dundas (Jan 3–Feb 4), Luke Gabbedy (Feb 7–Mar 7), and Warwick Fyfe (Mar 11–Mar 25)
Goro: Virgilio Marino (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Michael Petruccelli (Feb 7–Mar 25)
Bonze: David Parkin (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Gennadi Dubinsky (Feb 7–Mar 25)
Kate Pinkerton: Jane Ede (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Chelsea Burns (Feb 7–Mar 25)
Yamadori: Leon Vitogiannis (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Alexander Hargreaves (Feb 7–Mar 25)
Director: Moffatt Oxenbould AM
Composer: Giacomo Puccini
Conductors: Andrea Battistoni (Jan 3–24, Mar 7–14), Paul Fitzsimon (Jan 29–Feb 4, Mar 18–25), and Erina Yashima (Feb 7–Mar 3)
Set & costume designers: Russell Cohen and Peter England
Lighting designer: Robert Bryan
Movement & revival director: Matthew Barclay
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for all ages.
Content warning: The production contains some adult themes.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an architectural icon perched on Sydney Harbour’s Bennelong Point. Its soaring white sails house world-class performance venues, from the grand Concert Hall to the elegant Joan Sutherland Theatre. Visitors are captivated by its innovative design, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-see for anyone exploring Sydney.
Getting There
- Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
- By car:
If driving, head to the Opera House Car Park on Macquarie Street. The underground car park is just a 1-minute walk from the entrance, with elevators and accessible drop-off points available for your convenience.
- By taxi:
Arriving by taxi or rideshare? Ask your driver to drop you at the designated area on Macquarie Street, right by the Opera House. From here, it's just a 1-minute walk to the main entrance—perfect for a hassle-free arrival.
- By ferry:
Arrive by ferry at Circular Quay Wharf and walk just 5 minutes along the scenic waterfront to the Opera House. The path is flat and offers fantastic views of the harbor and city skyline, making your arrival part of the experience.
- By train:
Hop off at Circular Quay Station (served by T3, T4, and T8 lines) and enjoy a pleasant 6-minute stroll to the Opera House. Follow the signs along the harbor promenade, taking in beautiful waterfront views as you approach the iconic sails. The route is step-free and suitable for most visitors.
- By bus:
Many bus routes serve Circular Quay. Once you arrive, it's a short 6-minute walk along the harbor promenade to the Opera House. The route is well signposted and easy to navigate, with plenty of cafes and sights along the way.
- By tram:
Take the L2 light rail to Circular Quay and enjoy a quick 6-minute walk to the Opera House. Simply follow the signs along the waterfront, passing lively cafes and street performers as you go.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Cloak room, Souvenir shop, Dining outlets, Toilets, Wifi, Paid parking
Accessibility: Wheelchair available, Wheelchair accessible, Strollers allowed, Service animals allowed, Elevator access
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your Madama Butterfly voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from AU$108 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The opera does not have a strict age limit, it is suitable for all ages. However, the production contains some adult themes.
The opera is playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater in Sydney.
It follows Cio-Cio-San, whose marriage to U.S. naval officer Pinkerton leads to a profound clash between devotion and disillusionment.
The running time is 2 hours and 40 minutes with one intermission.
Yes. It is performed in Italian with English surtitles.
The main stars of the opera are Guanqun Yu as Cio-Cio-San, Vittoria Yeo as Cio-Cio-San, Olivia Cranwell as Cio-Cio-San, Robert Watson as Pinkerton, Oreste Cosimo as Pinkerton, Sian Sharp as Suzuki, Angela Hogan as Suzuki, Samuel Dundas as Sharpless, Luke Gabbedy as Sharpless, Warwick Fyfe as Sharpless, Virgilio Marino as Goro, and Michael Petruccelli as Goro.
Highlights include Un bel dì, the Humming Chorus, the wedding scene, and the final confrontation between Cio-Cio-San and Pinkerton.
Yes. Its clear storytelling, emotional score, and visually striking staging make it accessible to newcomers.
Yes. Costumes, staging, and movement draw from Japanese motifs, supported by sliding shoji screens and a water-filled moat onstage.
The combination of Oxenbould’s classic staging, candlelit water features, and Puccini’s powerful score makes it one of Opera Australia’s most enduring presentations.
