‘In my opinion, the drama of Madama Butterfly has never appeared so contemporary.’

‘When Butterfly entered carrying the United States Flag, she made a strong symbolic statement.’

‘The stage displays both the Japanese and American flags in semi-permanence.

‘We are immediately led to understand that the differences between Japan and the United States, the underlying background to the libretto, will play a leading role in the stage director’s vision of the work. It was undoubtedly worth while developing this theme.’

‘John Pascoe’s costumes are also quite beautiful. The greys of the chorus set off the luminous white of the soloists.’

‘This new production presented a number of striking and audacious traits. To be sure, one immediately recognises Pascoe’s hand in the visual design that is dominated by a flamboyant red circle that stands out from the background. The Stars and Stripes and the Japanese Rising Sun – stark, simple and elegant.’

‘Allyson McHardy as Suzuki is a natural actress with a remarkable stage presence.’

‘The sets (again by John Pascoe) are very Zen: sober, unornamented, elegant, effective.’

‘Lyn Fortin’s extraordinarily expressive acting as Butterfly was so convincing that she easily made us believe in the innocence of her fifteen-year-old protagonist’.

‘Opéra de Québec struck a winning blow with this first production of the season.The sold-out audience was charged with enthusiasm. How can you resist success, especially when it is the result of the collaboration of all concerned?’

‘The actors were extremely well directed by John Pascoe.’

‘Director/designer John Pascoe allows the drama to emerge in a series of tableaux of great beauty; nothing needs adjusting.’

‘Madam Butterfly with stronger political overtones.’

‘Guy Lessard, as Prince Yamadori, is a totally convincing character.’

‘Sharpless appears almost as a ghost, costumed in dazzling white. Does not this recall the colour of death and mourning in oriental culture?’

‘Doesn’t the production reveal the arrogance of this almighty American, who takes the world as his playground, who neither respects nor is interested in other people, and who carelessly sows suffering and death wherever he goes?’

‘L’Opéra de Québec struck a winning blow with this production.’