Name: M. Butterfly - a rehearsed reading
Start: 2025-02-03T19:00:00+05:30
End: 2025-02-03T21:00:00+05:30
Location: Harkat Studios

David Henry Hwang's ‘M. Butterfly’ is a powerful drama inspired by the true story of Bernard Boursicot and Shi Pei Pu, while blending it with Giacommo Puccini’s 1904 opera ‘Madame Butterfly’. The play explores themes of gender identity, cultural stereotypes, and the force of sexual desire. Set in 1960s Beijing and Paris, the play follows René Gallimard, a French diplomat who falls in love with Song Liling, a Chinese opera singer who submits herself to Rene’s fantasy of a submissive oriental. Over two decades, Gallimard’s idealized love blinds him to Song's true identity, exposing how cultural stereotypes and fantasies distort reality. The play critiques rigid gender norms and the intersection of desire and power, culminating in Gallimard's tragic embrace of the role of Puccini's Butterfly, leading to his downfall. ‘M. Butterfly’ is a poignant exploration of identity, illusion, and the destructiveness of love rooted in fantasy.This is a mildly reheased reading of the play.Featuring Amba Suhasini K Jhala, Kiyomi Mehta, Neil Bhoopalam and Tushant MattasSupported by Prerana (lighting), Shishir Kolte (sound composition) and Vidur Khullar (sound operation)Directed by Sukrit MahajanEntry Free | All are welcomeSeating will be on a first-come-first-served basis.The reading will begin by 7.05.On the spot registration is possible, if space permits.About Hear, HereHear, Here is a community space for people to read and listen to a selection of plays from around the world.For this, its 5th volume, four promising young directors were asked to select scripts, and cast actors to age and character.January 13 - Mahanirvan by Satish Alekar | Directed by Shivam PanchbhaiJanuary 20 - Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen | Directed by Nikhita SinghFebruary 3 - M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang | Directed by Sukrit MahajanFebruary 17 - Fat Pig by Neil LaBute | Directed by Anoushka ZaveriHear, Here is an initiative of www.thedramalibrary.com, in partnership with Harkat Studios.