M. Butterfly. (Acting Edition for Theater Productions)

Hwang, David Henry,David Henry Hwang

ISBN 10: 0822207125 / ISBN 13: 9780822207122

Published by Dramatists Play Service, Inc., 1998

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Synopsis:

Bored with his routine posting in Beijing, and awkward with women, René Gallimard, a French diplomat, is easy prey for the subtle, delicate charms of Song Liling, a Chinese opera star who personifies Gallimard's fantasy vision of submissive, exotic oriental sexuality. He begins an affair with "her" that lasts for 20 years, during which time he passes along diplomatic secrets - an act that brings about his downfall and imprisonment. Interspersed with scenes between the two lovers are others with Gallimard's wife and colleagues that underscore the irony of Gallimard's delusion and its curious parallel to the events of Puccini's famous opera Madame Butterfly.

Combining realism and ritual with vivid theatricality, the play reaches its astonishing climax when Song Liling, before our very eyes, strips off his female attire and assumes his true masculinity, a revelation that the deluded Gallimard can neither credit nor accept.

Review: "A brilliant play of ideas a visionary work that bridges the history and culture of two worlds." Frank Rich, New York Times

"Audaciously imaginative big in conception and theme, David Henry Hwang joins the first string of American playwrights." Variety

"Just when you've seen every possible coupling, M. Butterfly presents one of the most provocative and touching of all." USA Today

"Hwang has something to say and an original, audacious way of saying it. A rarity on Broadway." Edwin Wilson, Wall Street Journal

"

"A brilliant play of ideas ... a visionary work that bridges the history and culture of two worlds."--Frank Rich, New York Times

"Audaciously imaginative ... big in conception and theme, David Henry Hwang joins the first string of American playwrights."--Variety

"Just when you've seen every possible coupling, M. Butterfly presents one of the most provocative and touching of all."--USA Today

"Hwang has something to say and an original, audacious way of saying it. A rarity on Broadway."--Edwin Wilson, Wall Street Journal

-A brilliant play of ideas ... a visionary work that bridges the history and culture of two worlds.---Frank Rich, New York Times

-Audaciously imaginative ... big in conception and theme, David Henry Hwang joins the first string of American playwrights.---Variety

-Just when you've seen every possible coupling, M. Butterfly presents one of the most provocative and touching of all.---USA Today

-Hwang has something to say and an original, audacious way of saying it. A rarity on Broadway.---Edwin Wilson, Wall Street Journal

Bibliographic Details

Title: M. Butterfly. (Acting Edition for Theater ...
Publisher: Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
Publication Date: 1998
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good