THE latest production of “M. Butterfly,” the 1988 Tony Award Winner for Best Play, will have its last shows today, September 30, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City.
Since its press preview held last Sept. 12, the play ran from Tuesdays to Sundays for two weeks, a total of 21 performances.
“M. Butterfly” was written by David Henry Hwang, based on the true story of a French diplomat who had an affair with a singer in the Beijing opera. The woman he loved later proved to be not only a man, but also a spy for the Chinese government. The play was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1988.
Hwang flew into town this weekend from New York for a press conference. He also conducted a Master Class last Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. for theater, drama and creative writing college students, professional theater actors, artistic directors and technical teams. The class was hosted by Jhett Tolentino, Tony/Grammy winner and co-producer of M. Butterfly.
Hwang will also be the special guest of honor at the closing performance.
Award-winning artist Kanakan-Balintagos directed this drama, inspired by Giaccomo Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly.”
The cast was led by RS Francisco (Song Liling), who essayed this same role 28 years ago opposite theater thespian Behn Cervantes, under the direction of Tony Mabesa for Dulaang UP.
This restaging of “M. Butterfly” also benefited 21 charitable organizations, and was thus a 100 percent non-profit project.
A photo exhibit, “Chrysalis,” was also held at the lobby of Maybank Performing Arts Theater, featuring works by seven photographers that were also auctioned off for charity.
The lucky winners of the bids will also be invited to the closing performance to receive their chosen artwork personally from the master photographer.