In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May, the Boston Lyric Opera will host a special presentation at Rabb Hall located inside the Boston Public Library. The enchanting performance is dedicated to the AAPI community in Boston and around the globe. AAPI voices will literally be uplifted with this powerful presentation and illuminating discussion.
Japanese American opera singer and founder of the Asian Opera Alliance, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, also of Madama Butterfly leads the discussion = centered around creative ownership of narratives with other local artists. The evening opens the conversation in The Butterfly Process– a dialogue centered around AAPI narratives and the lasting impacts of Piccini’s Madama Butterfly.
Madam Butterfly (in Italian Madama Butterfly) is one of opera’s most enduring tales of unrequited love. Puccini’s poignant score follows the tragic tale of Cio Cio San, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with American naval officer Pinkerton, with devastating consequences, writes ENO.
Nelson played Suzuki in countless international performances of this historic opera. Through her performances she’s developed a keen hunger to advocate for equity in the arts, especially for AAPI performers. Opera Night at the Boston Public Library is a community partnership between the library and Boston Lyric Opera providing equitable access to quality opera performances for nearly 3 decades.
Find AAPI Opera Night at the Boston Public Library on May 25 from 6-7 PM; free admission
Boston Public Library Rabb Hall Central Library in Copley Square 700 Boylston St Boston, MA 02116