La Monnaie / De Munt LA MONNAIE / DE MUNT
© Belga - AFP – selected by Le Soir
Opera

M. Butterfly
Huang Ruo
Carolyn Kuan, Krystian Lada

Presentation
Opera

Based on a true story

In Mao’s China, French diplomat René Gallimard is enchanted by the captivating opera singer Song Liling. The two begin a passionate affair that lasts twenty years, until they are arrested. In court, it is revealed that all this time, unbeknown to Gallimard, Song was not only a man in drag, but also a Chinese spy who passed on information about the war in Vietnam.

With more than a nod to Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, in 2020 composer Huang Ruo forged this unconventional love story into a compelling opera that turns gender conventions and cultural power relations upside down. Under the musical direction of Carolyn Kuan, M. Butterfly is now receiving its European premiere, with Robin Adams and Kangmin Justin Kim (acclaimed for his performance as Song in the world premiere) taking on the roles of the two lovers. Director Krystian Lada looks through the eyes of René Gallimard to understand how fantasy can sometimes triumph over reality and how Pinkerton can reveal himself as Butterfly.

Are you under 30? Then attend this opera on the Young Opera Night (4.5.2027) and we treat you to a personal welcome, a free drink, a free digital programme book and an after-event or other surprise.

Dates & tickets

 – 

Location

La Monnaie

Prices

Start ticket sale 27.11.2026

Language

Sung in English
Surtitles in Dutch, French and English

Presentation

Introductory talks 45' before the start of the performance
–
Aftertalk 25.4.2027

Secure yourself of the best seats for this opera at the lowest possible price with one of our fixed or flexible opera season tickets. Subscribe to our newsletter and we will send you a reminder at the start of the subscription and ticket sales.

Keep me informed
Dates & tickets

Dates

Cast
Cast

Opera in three acts
Libretto by David Henry Hwang
Music by Huang Ruo
Premiere Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe, 30.7.2022
EUROPEAN PREMIERE

ConductorCAROLYN KUAN DirectorKRYSTIAN LADA Set DesignerWOLFGANG MENARDI Costume DesignerSUSAN FANG Lighting DesignerLUKAS MARIAN WIEDMER Video DesignerJÉRÉMY ADONIS DramaturgeLALINA GODDARD Chorus MasterEMMANUEL TRENQUE

Song LilingKANGMIN JUSTIN KIM René GallimardROBIN ADAMS Comrade Chin / Shu FungKELSEY LAURITANO Manuel Toulon / JudgeDOUGLAS RAY WILLIAMS MarcSEIYOUNG KIM

La Monnaie Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

La Monnaie Choral Academy, prepared by Benoît Giaux

ProductionDE MUNT / LA MONNAIE

Related events

Related events