1928
First performed: March 5, 1900
CAST
CHO-CHO-SAN ( Madame Butterfly ) Blanche Bates
SUZUKI, her servant Marie Bates
MR. SHARPLESS, the American Consul Claude Gillingwater
LIEUTENANT B. F. PINKERTON, of the warship "Connecticut" Frank Worthing
YAMADORI, a citizen of New York Albert Bruning
NAKODO, a marriage broker E. P. Wilks
KATE, Pinkerton's wife Katherine Black
TROUBLE Little Kittie
ATTENDANT William Lamp
ATTENDANT Westropp Saunders
The play takes place in Japan in Madame Butterfly's little house at the foot of Higashi Hill, facing the harbor .
CAST
CHO-CHO-SAN ( Madame Butterfly )
Evelyn Millard
MR. SHARPLESS
Claude Gillingwater
LIEUTENANT B. F. PINKERTON
Allan Aynesworth
YAMADORI
William H. Day
NAKODO
J. C. Buckstone
SUZUKI
Susie Vaughan
KATE ( Mrs. Pinkerton )
Janet Evelyn Sothern
CAST
CIO-CIO-SAN
Geraldine Farrar
SUZUKI
Louise Homer
KATE ( Mrs. Pinkerton )
Helen Mapleson
LA CUGINA
Estelle Shearman
LA MADRE
Josephine Jacoby
LA ZIA
Katherine Moran
LIEUTENANT PINKERTON
Enrico Caruso
MR. SHARPLESS
Antonio Scotti
GORO
Albert Reiss
YAMADORI
Giovanni Paroli
LO ZIO BONZO
Adolf Mühlmann
YAKUSIDE
Giulio Rossi
IL COMMISSARIO IMPERIALE
Bernard Bégué
UN UFFICIALE DEL REGISTRO
Francesco Navarini
The play takes place in Japan in Madame Butterfly's little house at the foot of Higashi Hill, facing the harbor. Everything in the room is Japanese save the American locks and bolts on the doors and windows and an American flag fastened to a tobacco jar. Cherry blossoms are abloom outside, and inside. A sword rack, a shrine on which lie a sword and a pair of men's slippers, a chest of drawers on top of which is a tray containing two red poppies, rouge, powder and hair ornaments, a stand for the tobacco jar and tea, are the only pieces of furniture in the room. As the curtain rises, Madame Butterfly is spraying the growing flowers with a small watering pot. She snips off two little bunches, lays them on a plate of rice which she sets reverently on the shrine, then kneels, putting her hands on the floor, her forehead on them .
Contains
43 words
in
11 sentences
using
226 chars
.
( She rises, claps her hands, comes down to a floor cushion, and sits, fanning herself .)
( Entering with a low bow ).
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
24 chars
.
Contains
18 words
in
1 sentence
using
95 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
3 sentences
using
23 chars
.
( Reprovingly ).
Contains
51 words
in
4 sentences
using
277 chars
.
( Mouthing to herself, making no sound, counting on her fingers ).
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
11 chars
.
( She drops the money into the box, giving it to Madame Butterfly .)
Contains
15 words
in
3 sentences
using
71 chars
.
Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
84 chars
.
( Scoffing, putting the money in her sleeve ).
Contains
67 words
in
7 sentences
using
325 chars
.
( Doubtfully ).
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
8 chars
.
Contains
29 words
in
4 sentences
using
140 chars
.
( She rises, goes to the window and looks out .)
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
31 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
48 chars
.
( Cynically ).
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
73 chars
.
( Impassively, her eyes narrowing ).
Contains
97 words
in
11 sentences
using
455 chars
.
( She sways her head triumphantly from side to side, fanning herself .)
( Not impressed ).
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
52 chars
.
( She imitates a flippant gesture of farewell .)
( Laughing ).
Contains
53 words
in
11 sentences
using
241 chars
.
( Looking ).
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
30 chars
.
( Running to the window ).
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
5 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
.
Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
102 chars
.
( Looking out ).
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
19 chars
.
Contains
38 words
in
2 sentences
using
185 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
27 chars
.
Contains
107 words
in
13 sentences
using
559 chars
.
Contains
36 words
in
3 sentences
using
169 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
45 chars
.
( She dances as Sharpless, the American consul, appears in the doorway, followed by the Nakodo .)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
.
( Removing his clogs outside ).
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
.
( Nakodo bows and Sharpless enters .)
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
17 chars
.
( Madame Butterfly, still dancing, begins the song again. Sharpless goes to the door and knocks to attract her attention .)
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
3 chars
.
( Suzuki, bowing low, leaves the room .)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
27 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
4 sentences
using
44 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
6 sentences
using
79 chars
.
( Once more salaaming to the ground, drawing in her breath between her teeth to express pleasure ).
Contains
56 words
in
8 sentences
using
340 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
39 chars
.
( She claps her hands; Suzuki enters and puts the little stand between them and leaves the room ).
Contains
15 words
in
2 sentences
using
95 chars
.
( Madame Butterfly gestures towards Pinkerton's tobacco jar decorated with the flag of his country .)
( Accepting a cigarette while she fills her pipe ).
Contains
26 words
in
3 sentences
using
148 chars
.
( Almost breathless ).
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
39 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
.
( Relieved ).
Contains
21 words
in
2 sentences
using
101 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
3 sentences
using
49 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
4 sentences
using
61 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
5 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
43 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
10 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
2 sentences
using
80 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
15 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
24 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
33 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
3 sentences
using
103 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
5 chars
.
Contains
24 words
in
2 sentences
using
119 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
29 chars
.
( Disappointed ).
Contains
23 words
in
4 sentences
using
124 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
25 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
3 sentences
using
93 chars
.
( To himself ).
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
38 chars
.
( Clapping her hands ).
Contains
11 words
in
3 sentences
using
45 chars
.
( Suzuki enters with a tea-pot. Madame Butterfly gives Sharpless a cup of tea .)
( Appearing at the door ).
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
22 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
5 sentences
using
133 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
51 chars
.
( Bowing politely ).
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
44 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
36 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
1 sentence
using
75 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
57 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
24 chars
.
Contains
45 words
in
8 sentences
using
224 chars
.
( She holds out the sword that the inscription may be read .)
( Reading ).
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
60 chars
.
( He bows, then turns and bows towards the shrine and goes back to his cushion where he sits .)
Contains
75 words
in
7 sentences
using
366 chars
.
( Salaaming ).
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
.
( Salaaming ).
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
12 chars
.
( Looking from one to the other ).
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
22 chars
.
( He salaams profoundly — then all salaam .)
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
48 chars
.
Contains
39 words
in
5 sentences
using
205 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
24 chars
.
( Laughing ).
Contains
98 words
in
14 sentences
using
483 chars
.
( In the doorway — bowing with servility ).
Contains
12 words
in
1 sentence
using
73 chars
.
Contains
18 words
in
2 sentences
using
84 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
.
( Yamadori enters, attended by two servants. Sharpless rises and bows ceremoniously. Madame Butterfly does not rise, but bends her head and fans herself coquettishly. The two servants squat .)
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
65 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
21 chars
.
( Coquettishly ).
Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
47 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
1 sentence
using
98 chars
.
Contains
14 words
in
1 sentence
using
68 chars
.
( Very much embarrassed — looking at consul ).
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
2 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
79 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
2 sentences
using
105 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
23 chars
.
( Winks behind her fan at Sharpless .)
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
31 chars
.
( Madame Butterfly gives a cup of tea to Yamadori who drinks it and rolls a cigarette .)
( To Sharpless ).
Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
64 chars
.
( Pointing to Madame Butterfly .)
Contains
14 words
in
1 sentence
using
72 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
27 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
48 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
93 chars
.
( Stunned ).
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
9 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
4 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
24 chars
.
( The Nakodo is overcome by such generosity .)
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
3 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
30 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
122 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
37 chars
.
( Pointing to herself .)
Contains
28 words
in
2 sentences
using
146 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
39 chars
.
( To Sharpless ).
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
93 chars
.
( To Sharpless ).
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
68 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
4 sentences
using
66 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
29 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
1 sentence
using
84 chars
.
Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
71 chars
.
( Laughing ).
Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
43 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
1 sentence
using
85 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
6 chars
.
Contains
97 words
in
9 sentences
using
476 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
1 sentence
using
63 chars
.
( Who has paid no attention ).
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
40 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
3 sentences
using
44 chars
.
( Aside to Sharpless ).
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
.
Contains
64 words
in
7 sentences
using
320 chars
.
Contains
26 words
in
4 sentences
using
141 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
24 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
1 sentence
using
80 chars
.
( Preparing to go ).
Contains
20 words
in
5 sentences
using
100 chars
.
( Bowing ).
Contains
27 words
in
5 sentences
using
122 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
2 sentences
using
99 chars
.
( He takes a letter from his pocket .)
Contains
21 words
in
2 sentences
using
99 chars
.
( Reads ).
Contains
56 words
in
7 sentences
using
287 chars
.
( Sharpless is amazed to see Madame Butterfly convulsed with silent joy .)
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
34 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
.
Contains
37 words
in
2 sentences
using
175 chars
.
( Folding the letter ).
Contains
19 words
in
2 sentences
using
113 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
35 chars
.
Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
69 chars
.
( Astonished ).
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
73 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
38 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
1 sentence
using
97 chars
.
( Enraged — she claps her hands ).
Contains
21 words
in
3 sentences
using
120 chars
.
( Suzuki, who has entered carrying a jar, gets Sharpless' clogs and gives them to him — then passes off with her jar .)
( Holding the clogs awkwardly ).
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
22 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
5 sentences
using
119 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
7 chars
.
Contains
56 words
in
10 sentences
using
257 chars
.
( A child enters .)
Contains
4 words
in
4 sentences
using
29 chars
.
( Showing a picture of Pinkerton's ).
Contains
12 words
in
4 sentences
using
62 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
31 chars
.
Contains
79 words
in
12 sentences
using
402 chars
.
( Shaking hands with the child .)
Contains
6 words
in
3 sentences
using
31 chars
.
Contains
21 words
in
3 sentences
using
107 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
3 sentences
using
34 chars
.
( Glad to escape, he takes an abrupt departure .)
( In the distance, wailing ).
Contains
3 words
in
3 sentences
using
20 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
.
( Nearer ).
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
28 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
6 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
45 chars
.
( Appearing ).
Contains
39 words
in
3 sentences
using
205 chars
.
( Who has listened stolidly — now with a savage cry, pushing him away from her until he loses his balance and falls to the floor .)
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
8 chars
.
( On the floor ).
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
15 chars
.
( Touching her father's sword ).
Contains
70 words
in
21 sentences
using
355 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
9 chars
.
Contains
81 words
in
15 sentences
using
388 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
18 chars
.
( Rising in great excitement ).
Contains
44 words
in
8 sentences
using
253 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
4 sentences
using
61 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
6 sentences
using
128 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
59 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
10 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
31 chars
.
Contains
80 words
in
9 sentences
using
402 chars
.
( Sitting with the baby in front of her, swaying it by the arms, she sings .)
Contains
15 words
in
2 sentences
using
80 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
25 chars
.
( Putting the flag in the child's hand, she takes it up to the window and makes three holes in the shoji, one low down for the baby. As the three look through the shoji, they form the picture she has already described .)
( During the vigil, the night comes on. Suzuki lights the floor lamps, the stars come out, the dawn breaks, the floor lights flicker out one by one, the birds begin to sing, and the day discovers Suzuki and the baby fast asleep on the floor; but Madame Butterfly is awake, still watching, her face white and strained. She reaches out her hands and rouses Suzuki .)
( Starting to her feet, surprised and looking about the room ).
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
11 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
( Pityingly ).
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
( With an imperious gesture ).
Contains
26 words
in
6 sentences
using
137 chars
.
( She leaves the room and Suzuki goes to prepare the breakfast .)
( The stage is empty. Very faintly a strain of "I call her the Belle of Japan" is heard. Madame Butterfly is singing that she may not weep. A pause. Some one knocks on the door. Lieutenant Pinkerton's voice calls outside the shoji .)
Contains
5 words
in
3 sentences
using
46 chars
.
( Following him ).
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
70 chars
.
( Singing to hush the baby ).
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
43 chars
.
( Lieutenant Pinkerton listens to the song coming from above .)
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
40 chars
.
Contains
83 words
in
10 sentences
using
428 chars
.
( Seeing Nakodo who is at the shoji ).
Contains
21 words
in
2 sentences
using
98 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
63 chars
.
( To Sharpless ).
Contains
36 words
in
2 sentences
using
183 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
41 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
56 chars
.
( He takes out an envelope containing some money .)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
34 chars
.
Contains
33 words
in
3 sentences
using
174 chars
.
( Calling from above ).
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
7 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
.
( Pinkerton instinctively draws behind the screen .)
( Coming down the stairs with the sleeping baby on her back, calling ).
Contains
15 words
in
3 sentences
using
75 chars
.
( Aside to Sharpless, his eyes fixed on the mother and child ).
Contains
12 words
in
3 sentences
using
47 chars
.
( Entering, and seeing Pinkerton as he passes out of the door ).
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
3 chars
.
( Sharpless gives her a warning gesture .)
( Seeing Suzuki's astonished face ).
Contains
6 words
in
4 sentences
using
31 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
4 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
17 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
8 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
30 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
4 chars
.
( Wiping her dry lips ).
Contains
16 words
in
4 sentences
using
74 chars
.
Contains
54 words
in
5 sentences
using
252 chars
.
( The lies die out on his lips .)
( Bending and kissing his hand ).
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
44 chars
.
( Overcome, she staggers. Sharpless catches her, puts her into the chair — she leans against him — her face upraised, her eyes closed .)
( Kate, entering hurriedly .)
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
56 chars
.
( Madame Butterfly hears and opens her eyes .)
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
43 chars
.
( In a lower voice ).
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
29 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
3 chars
.
Contains
26 words
in
5 sentences
using
151 chars
.
( Takes Madame Butterfly in her arms .)
( Softly ).
Contains
27 words
in
7 sentences
using
135 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
.
( Counting on her fingers ).
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
12 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
5 sentences
using
93 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
4 sentences
using
34 chars
.
Contains
29 words
in
5 sentences
using
130 chars
.
( Showing no emotion ).
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
57 chars
.
( Taking the money-box from her sleeve, and giving the coins to Kate .)
Contains
88 words
in
20 sentences
using
463 chars
.
( She stands stolidly with her eyes closed .)
( Wiping her eyes ).
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
.
Contains
70 words
in
15 sentences
using
390 chars
.
( Understandingly, sobbing ).
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
4 sentences
using
119 chars
.
( She draws her finger across the blade, to test the sharpness of the sword, then picks up the hand glass, puts on more rouge, rearranges the poppies in her hair, bows to the shrine, and is about to press the blade of the sword against her neck, when the door is opened and the child is pushed into the room by Suzuki, who keeps out of sight. Madame Butterfly drops the sword and takes the baby in her arms. A knocking is heard but she pays no heed. She sets the child on a mat, puts the American flag in its hand, and, picking up the sword, goes behind the screen that the child may not see what she is about to do. A short pause — the sword is heard to drop. Madame Butterfly reappears, her face deathly — a scarf about her neck to conceal the wound. Suzuki opens the door, sees the face of her mistress — backs out of the room in horror. Madame Butterfly drops to her knees as she reaches the child, and clasps it to her. A hand is thrust through the shoji and the bolt is drawn .)
( Kate enters quickly, urging the reluctant Pinkerton to follow her .)
( Discerning what she has done ).
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
.
( He draws her to him with the baby pressed to her heart. She waves the child's hand which holds the flag — saying faintly: )
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
38 chars
.
( She dies .)