Butterfly Conversations
During the 23/24 season, Opera Philadelphia hosted a four-part series, called the Butterfly Conversations. This series is an integral part of a broader initiative at Opera Philadelphia called Reflection & Re-Vision. R&R was initiated in 2020, and serves as a platform for inquiry, examination, and celebration of the operatic art form in all its facets. It has been a space where we can explore how to create a more inclusive art form.
Butterfly Conversations’ aim is to provide historical context, examination of past productions, a deeper understanding of the music itself, and a look into the new production that Opera Philadelphia will present later this season.
In collaboration with select members of Opera Philadelphia's Community Advisory Council. Learn more about the council here.
Conversation #1: Unpacking Orientalism and Exoticism in Butterfly
The opera Madame Butterfly has long been considered one of Puccini's greatest works, but while the opera explores universal themes of love and betrayal, it can also perpetuate negative anti-Asian stereotypes rooted in Orientalism and exoticism. This panel discussion will explore the historical context of Orientalism in Western art forms bridging a variety of perspectives on the topic including those of scholars, activists, and practicing artists.
Moderator: Rob Buscher, Community Advisory Council Member
Panel: Melody Wong AEA Stage Manager, AAPI community member and Jacqui Sadashige, Lecturer
Panelists
Jacqui Sadashige is a multi-disciplinary scholar and lecturer at Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania where she teaches courses in gender and film studies. Her education includes post-graduate degrees in English, Classical Studies, and Global Conservation Biology, and her recent scholarship has focused on the representation of animals in popular culture and captive elephant welfare in the Southeast Asian tourism industry. In her spare time she teaches yoga for City Fitness and volunteers as a social media manager with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival and The Women’s Film Festival.
Melody Wong holds a BA in Asian Studies and Theater, and a Master in Ed, both from Temple University and is an active member in Philadelphia’s AAPI Community. Past roles include Main Street Manager at Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp and Events Coordinator at Asian Arts Initiative. Melody previously served on the board of Nationalities Service Center and worked with PA Asian American Commission to produce the Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration, festival in Franklin Square Park from 2007-2017. Melody is a member of Philadelphia Suns, performing Lion Dance since 2009. She also paddles for the Chinatown Dragon Boat team. Professionally Melody works as a Stage Manager, and AEA member, currently the Stage Manager at Theater Exile, past credits include InterAct Theatre, Playpenn, Wilma Theater, Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Theater in the X, Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists, Power Street Theater, Fleisher Memorial, Passage Theater, Opera Philadelphia, Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts. Melody is a certified Actor Combatant and speaker of Cantonese and Mandarin.
Rob Buscher is a film and media specialist, educator, curator, and published author. A mixed-race Japanese American, Rob’s work centers on the history and culture of the Japanese diaspora and other Asian American & Pacific Islander communities. Since 2017 Rob has lectured at University of Pennsylvania’s Asian American Studies Program where he teaches courses on cinema and activism. He is the producer and host of Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation's thirteen-episode podcast Look Toward the Mountain, and host of PBS WHYY's six-episode television series Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders: A Philadelphia Story. Rob recently curated the multimedia site-based exhibition Okaeri (Welcome Home): The Nisei Legacy at Shofuso exploring topics related to the postwar resettlement in Philadelphia and the role that arts and culture have played in local Japanese American activist movements. Rob serves as President of the civil rights organization Japanese American Citizens League Philadelphia Chapter. Rob has been doing cultural competency work with Opera Philadelphia since 2016 and is a current member of the Community Advisory Council.
Conversation #2: Inside the Music
In Madame Butterfly, Puccini's composition skillfully captures the emotions of the characters, along with the overarching themes of love, betrayal, and tragedy. Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Lily Kass will provide attendees with a deep dive into the story and characters of the opera, while also offering a live "listening map" experience, highlighting opera arias sung by various artists.
Lecturer: Dr. Lily Kass, Scholar in Residence
Musicians: Brenna Markey (Soprano), Anne Marie Stanley (Mezzo Soprano), Grant Loehnig (Accompanist
Panelist
Dr. Lily Kass is Opera Philadelphia’s Scholar in Residence. Lily is an interdisciplinary scholar, educator, and artist. She teaches music history courses on topics such as “Powerful Women in Opera,” “Mozart Operas,” and “Exoticism on the Musical Stage” across the Mid-Atlantic Region, at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania. She earned an A.B. in Literature from Harvard University in 2010, and a Ph.D. in Musicology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017. Lily’s research focuses on how operas are reimagined, adapted, and translated to meet the needs of new audiences.
Lily shares Opera Philadelphia’s passion for making opera accessible and inclusive, and she has been a frequent collaborator with Opera Philadelphia’s Community Initiatives department since 2014. She has also lectured for the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. In 2011, Lily served as a Lectures and Community Programs Fellow at the Metropolitan Opera Guild, promoting and developing lecture series and facilitating backstage tours of the Metropolitan Opera House.
Lily is a trained coloratura soprano, and she co-founded the opera scenes program at the University of Pennsylvania, which she directed from 2014-2018. She is honored to serve as a Marian Anderson Scholar Artist with the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society.
Brenna Markey, a captivating soprano, leaves an indelible mark on the opera world with enchanting performances. This fall, as a guest artist in Opera at Florham’s Concert Series, she showcases remarkable talent. Recent highlights include covering roles in Rossini’s L’occasione fa il ladro and her house debut at Sarasota Opera in Cimarosa’s Il matrimonio segreto. The 2023 Sarasota Opera season saw Brenna's return, covering the iconic Cio-Cio San in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, displaying her versatility. Winter brought another triumph, covering the role of Odabella in Verdi’s Attila. Beyond opera, she graced AlterEgo Opera’s Fringe Festival and earned semifinalist status in prestigious singing competitions. Accolades include First Place in The Medici International Music Competition and The Century Opera Competition, and Second Place in The Napolinova World Voice E-Competition and The Arturo Toscanini Competition in 2021. Brenna's journey began at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, earning her Bachelor's degree and the Professor Klara B. Meyers Tribute Scholarship, promising an exciting future in opera. More information can be found at https://www.brennamarkey.com/.
Anne Marie Stanley, hailing from Princeton, New Jersey, is a soprano with a stellar musical journey. She earned her master's degree from The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and her undergraduate degree in voice performance from Westminster Choir College. Notable performances include portraying Dinah in Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and the title role in Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto at Rice. Anne Marie's talent extends to prestigious opera companies, having been a Studio Artist for The Wolf Trap Opera Company and an Apprentice Singer at The Santa Fe Opera. Awarded first place in competitions like the Cooper-Bing Competition, Franco-American Grand Concours Vocal Competition, and The Albert M. Greenfield Philadelphia Orchestra Competition, Anne Marie Stanley continues to captivate audiences. Currently residing in Philadelphia, she refines her craft under the tutelage of Bill Schuman. More information can be found at https://www.annemariestanleymezzo.com/.
Conversation #3: Conversation with Creators and Artists
Modern productions and interpretations of Madame Butterfly often aim to challenge or subvert the Orientalist and exoticist elements. Directors strive to humanize characters, avoid reinforcing stereotypes, and delve into the complexities of cross-cultural relationships while still maintaining Puccini’s masterwork. In this roundtable conversation, hear from the artists and creative team about Opera Philadelphia's new production of Madame Butterfly.
Moderator: Dr. Derrell Acon, Vice President of People Operations and Inclusion
Panel: Yuki Izumihara (Production Designer), Karen Chia-ling Ho (Cio Cio San), Kristen Choi (Suzuki), and Ethan Heard, (Director)
Panelist
Dr. Derrell Acon, an exceptional bass-baritone, holds a Ph.D. in 19th-Century Opera History and Performance, complemented by a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). His academic journey started at Lawrence University, where he graduated summa cum laude in Voice and Government with a minor in Ethnic Studies. Renowned for his operatic prowess, Dr. Acon has portrayed iconic roles such as Rocco in Fidelio and Escamillo in Carmen. Beyond the stage, he is the Associate Artistic Director of Heartbeat Opera and leads the Black Opera Alliance, championing equity in opera. Dr. Acon's groundbreaking workshops, like "An Absurdist Conversation on Rainbows and COLOR," explore the intersections of queerness and Black culture. As a key figure in opera equity, he consults and lectures globally, influencing over 35 opera companies and fostering diversity within the community. His teaching portfolio includes courses on 19th-century opera, Black Art, and artistic activism.
A recipient of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant, Dr. Acon challenges traditional operatic narratives, contributing to conferences and publications worldwide. His articles, including "Neglected Legacy" in OPERA America Magazine and "Whence Comes Black Art" at Lawrence University, reflect his commitment to reshaping the discourse surrounding opera and Black representation. Dr. Acon's influence extends globally, as he frequently presents at conferences in the U.S., Europe, and Africa, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the world of opera and cultural advocacy.
Yuki Izumihara, a versatile scenic, projection, and production designer, brings a unique perspective to her work, shaped by martial arts training and a dedication to discipline and craftsmanship. Based in Oakland, CA, Yuki's recent projects include projection design for Cirque Musica's Holiday Wonderland, production design for Semele and Tosca with Opera Santa Barbara, and scenic design for INTERSTATE with East West Players. Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with awards, including the Carbonell Award for Outstanding Achievement in Projection Design for The Cuban Vote with Miami New Drama. Yuki's artistic vision has graced esteemed venues like LA Opera, San Diego Opera, and the Getty Villa Museum, reflecting her commitment to enhancing project identities through spatial composition and color narrative. More information can be found at https://yukiizumihara.com/.
In the 2023/24 season, Karen Chia-ling Ho marks debuts with Opera Philadelphia, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Carolina, and Virginia Opera as Madama Butterfly. A return to the Metropolitan Opera to cover Mimì in La Bohème and to San Francisco Opera covering Cio-Cio San is also part of her dynamic season. Following her debut with Hong Kong Arts Festival, Ms. Ho reprised Princess Jia in San Francisco Opera. Noteworthy roles include Meretatan in Philip Glass’ Akhnaten and Apparition in Macbeth at the Metropolitan Opera. She garnered acclaim as Liù in Turandot and Tosca in Hong Kong. A finalist in prestigious competitions and winner of several awards, including the Renee Fleming Award, Ms. Ho's remarkable journey is marked by her versatility and vocal prowess. With degrees from TNUA, Tung-Hai, and the Eastman School of Music, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide. More information can be found at https://www.karenchialingho.com/.
Mezzo-soprano Kristen Choi, hailed as a "powerhouse in the making" by Opera News, is set to dazzle in the 2023-2024 season. Renowned for her portrayal of Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, she's scheduled for return engagements at Opera Philadelphia and Virginia Opera, along with debuts at Detroit Opera, Kentucky Opera, and Florentine Opera. Ms. Choi's versatility shines as she rejoins Dallas Opera for Elektra and the Hart Institute for Women Conductors for Suor Angelica excerpts. A seasoned performer, she has graced stages nationwide, including The Metropolitan Opera and Opera Delaware. Awards include Lotte Lenya Competition semi-finalist and MONC Regionals encouragement awardee. Holding a master's from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Ms. Choi's dynamic presence continues to captivate audiences. More information can be found at https://www.kristenchoi.com/.
Ethan Heard, a visionary director, producer, and educator, shapes theater to foster love and community. Recently appointed Associate Artistic Director of Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, he directed acclaimed productions like Pacific Overtures and The Bridges of Madison County. As the Co-Founder of Heartbeat Opera, he earned recognition for groundbreaking shows like Fidelio and Breathing Free, garnering critical acclaim. Ethan's diverse repertoire spans opera, musical theater, and plays, reflecting his commitment to storytelling. A teacher for years, he supervised MFA directors' thesis productions at Yale School of Drama and taught at Princeton University. Ethan is hapa, Chinese-American, queer, proficient in Mandarin, and a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He serves as Chair of Signature Theatre’s Anti-Racism and Equity Working Group. You can listen to Ethan on the National Endowment for the Arts podcast here.
Conversation #4: Is Re-imagining possible? A Community Conversation
As opera companies strive to maintain relevance in the modern world, many consider reimagining historical operas to better resonate with contemporary audiences. In this community conversation, we invite panelists and audience members to explore what is gained and what it costs to re-imagine works such as Madame Butterfly.
Facilitator: Daniel Park, Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists representative on the CAC
Panel: Melissa Dunphy (CAC member), A.Z. Espinoza, James Ijames
Panelist
Daniel is a queer, bi-racial, theatre and performance artist based in Philadelphia, and co-founder of the worker-cooperative Obvious Agency. Since moving to Philadelphia in 2014 Daniel has become a leader for radical thought in the local creative ecosystem and has self-produced multiple major works, collaborated with local companies including The Bearded Ladies, Orbiter 3, and Applied Mechanics, created commissions for institutions such as the Barnes Foundation and Moore College of Art and Design, and taught liberatory creation methodology at the University of the Arts.
Deeply tied to his artistic practice, Daniel is also an activist and organizer, focusing on racial and labor justice in the cultural sector. He has provided his services as a facilitator and consultant nationally through the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, and has facilitated for organizations such as The PA Governor's Commission on Asian American Affairs, ArtPlace America, and Headlong Dance Theatre. Daniel also acts as the membership and engagement coordinator with Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists, a community group that brings together folks of pan-Asian descent involved in the performing arts.
Melissa Dunphy, an Australian-born composer and immigrant to the U.S., has earned acclaim for her vocal, political, and theatrical compositions. Notably, her Gonzales Cantata gained national attention and was featured in major publications and news outlets. Dunphy's repertoire includes the award-winning Tesla's Pigeon and the poignant choral piece What do you think I fought for at Omaha Beach? Her 2020 Opera America Discovery Grant supported Alice Tierney, premiered at Oberlin Conservatory in 2023. With a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.M. from West Chester University, Dunphy is a Rutgers University faculty member. She is also a theater composer, board president of Wildflower Composers, and co-owner of the upcoming performance venue, the Hannah Callowhill Stage, in Philadelphia. Melissa, along with her husband Matt, co-hosts The Boghouse podcast about their colonial archaeology adventures in the city. More information can be found at https://www.melissadunphy.com/about.
AZ Espinoza (they/them) is a transmasculine feminist who makes magic through theater. Directing credits include Alice Childress’s Wine in the Wilderness (Philadelphia Artists Collective and theBlackBestFriend), the world premiere of R. Eric Thomas’s Backing Track at the Arden Theatre (associate director) and the Philadelphia premiere of Angelina Weld Grimke’s 1915 anti-lynching play Rachel at Quintessence Theatre Company. Their play All My Mothers Dream in Spanish will have its world premiere at Azuka Theatre in 2023, and their play Homeridae has been developed nationally and was an Honorable Mention finalist for the Terrance McNally Award. They are the co-founder of theBlackBestFriend, a producing collective that uplifts Black multiplicities. They have been a theater educator at the Wilma Theater, Temple University, Haverford College, and the University of the Arts, and they are a student of liberation everywhere, and for everyone.
James Ijames, a Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, director, and educator, is a prominent figure in the theatrical landscape. His plays, celebrated for their incisive storytelling, have graced stages across the country, from Philadelphia to New York City, Chicago, and beyond. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2015 Pew Fellow for Playwriting and the 2017 Whiting Award, James continues to shape the theatrical conversation. He played a pivotal role as a founding member of Orbiter 3, Philadelphia's first playwright producing collective. Currently serving as an Associate Professor of Theatre at Villanova University, James Ijames resides in South Philadelphia, leaving an indelible mark on the world of drama.