M Butterfly

M Butterfly on Broadway Background

The 2017 revival is directed by Julie Taymor (The Lion King, Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark) and stars Clive Owen (Old Times, “The Knick”) in the lead role of Rene Gallimard. Clive Owen stars in this Broadway classic, following a successful run in Harold Pinter’s Old Times in 2015. Inspired by the opera Madama Butterfly by Giocomo Puccini, the play takes place between the years 1960 to 1988 in Beijing and Paris. This 20-year love affair reveals astonishing truths about human nature between both sexes, while also reflecting fascinating elements of the true story between French diplomat Bernard Boursicot and Chinese opera singer Shi Pei Pu, on which the play is based. Since the play’s premiere in 1988, more facts have come to light about this real-life relationship, and Hwang has incorporated more of these elements into an updated version of the play. This remarkable story encompasses the depths of human emotions in its complicated and unexpected love story, as well as a fascinating look into the world of international espionage.

What's M Butterfly Like?

Julie Taymor is one of the most uniquely talented stage directors of our time. After taking the world by storm with The Lion King, which has become an unstoppable long-running hit, she was a frequent news presence due to the unexpected travails of Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark. Nevertheless, her incredible ability to manifest visually stunning worlds for her characters is unparalleled, and M. Butterfly is an incredible opportunity for her to showcase her abilities in collaboration with one of the greatest living playwrights of our time, David Henry Hwang. Hwang’s other Broadway credits include Chinglish, Golden Child, Face Value, the book for Tarzan, the book for Flower Drum Song, and the book for Aida. The casting for M. Butterfly is also a reason not to miss this production. Owen’s film credits include Sin City, Closer, Close My Eyes, Children of Men, and The International.

Is M Butterfly Good for Kids?

The show is recommended for those aged 12 and up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre