Star-studded gala night of ‘M. Butterfly’ Manila staging
Several celebrities graced the opening night of the Manila staging of the Tony-winning play “M. Butterfly.” There were singers, actors, entrepreneurs, businessmen, socialites, politicians, and ambassadors on the red carpet at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater.
R.S. Francisco first played the lead role of “M. Butterfly” in May 1990 for Dulaang UP. He did so opposite veteran actor, writer and critic Behn Cervantes to critical acclaim and box office success. The former reprises the role with performances extend- ing to key cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in the coming weeks.
“M. Butterfly” is about Rene Gallimard, a member of the French embassy in China who considers himself to be quite poor with women. He meets and falls in love with Chinese opera singer Song Liling, who, unknown to Rene, is a man who performs on stage as a woman. Together they embark on a complicated and tumultuous relationship that lasted two decades.
Other members of the casts are Olivier Borten, Pinky Amador, Norm Mcleod, Mayen Estanero, Maya Encila, Rica Nepomuceno, John Paul Ortenero, Pheith Iena Ballug, Kay Megan Kierulf, Aira Jay Igarta, and Ullyses Basa.
“M. Butterfly” is a play by David Henry Hwang and the Manila staging is directed by Kanakan-Balintagos and produced by Jhett Tolentino and Frontrow Entertainment.
All net proceeds from each performance will go to a charitable institution or various organization and foundation geared towards education, health, environment, and arts.