The University Of Auckland Stage Two Productions and Theatre of Love invite you to be transported to a world of Chinese Opera, spies, secrets and shame when in a minimalist and contemporary production of David Henry Hwang’s 1988 Tony award-winning play M. Butterfly.

Based on an unbelievable true story the play follows the French diplomat Rene Gallimard as he embarks on a lengthy affair with his beloved Song, a male Chinese opera singer masquerading as a woman and acting as a spy for the Chinese Government. Their love affair is an engaging and confronting exploration of human identity and perception.

The play has a strong traditional Eastern influence and meta-theatrical elements and Director Ben Moore (Auckland’s Short and Sweet Festival 2009 Hunterville, Stirfried Plays 2009 Stick Up Kid) is looking forward to the challenge.  

‘M. Butterfly is hugely about gender perceptions and roles’ says Moore, whose directing approach can be described as open and collaborative. ‘I have a great cast who are thoroughly committed to representing the characters true to the intent of the play.’

Jarrod Lee (Macbeth, Tommy) will undergo a stunning  transformation to play the enigmatic Song opposite well known actor Patrick Graham as Gallimard (Pink Lighter, White Trash Omnibus, Titus Andronicus) with performances from Jane Yonge (Killing Me Softly), Rory Nolan (Stir Fried Plays), Jane Hargis (Tommy, The Libertine), Pete Hibberdine (The Libertine) and Susannah Cowan.

M. Butterfly is a beautifully written, in-depth piece of theatre that is both captivating and enchanting.

“It will move you, it will thrill you, it may even surprise you. It is a play not to be missed, and it is a play once caught that will never be forgotten” – The New York Post