Take a piece of ‘M. Butterfly’ home with you via ‘Chrysalis’ portraits
Each portrait is inspired by lines from the play, provocative and uniquely told through the eyes of each photographer
Before September ends, you need to catch the restaging of David Henry Hwang’s “M. Butterfly,” at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater.
It won the 1988 Tony Award for Best Play, and like all great stories, this one gets better as the years go by.
Hwang’s play follows the story of Rene Gallimard, a civilian officer at the French embassy in China. He falls in love with Song Liling, an opera singer. Unaware that female roles in Beijing operas are played by men, Gallimard returns home, ashamed over his feelings and actions. His wife discovers his affair and leaves him. But the story continues when Song goes to France as a spy.
It’s an intriguing tale that will leave you with much to discuss with your friends. The Manila staging of the show will further intrigue you as RS Francisco, who played the role of Song in the 1990 Dulaang UP production, is reprising the role. For fans of Francisco, it’s an added treat.
On top of this, there will be a photo exhibit, which will be showcased alongside the play. “Chrysalis” showcases portraits from seven of the country’s best lensmen—Jun de Leon, Raymund Isaac, Manny Librodo, Mandy Navasero, BJ Pascual, Wig Tysmans and Patrick Uy.
Each portrait is inspired by lines from the play.
Provocative and uniquely told through the eyes of each photographer, the photos will further enrich your understanding of the play’s take on love and deception. Only three limited-edition prints are available from each photographer.
Each photo will be auctioned off and the money raised, along with the proceeds from the play, will be given to a charitable foundation chosen by the photographers. Talk about a killer theater souvenir.