M Butterfly April 13, 2007

M. Butterfly is drawn from real life events, involving the strange tale of a French diplomat who carried on a twenty year relationship with a Chinese opera star without (he contended) being aware that his 'perfect woman' was really a man, the play becomes a powerful metaphor for the exploration of deeper themes, the perception of Eastern culture by the West and the persistent romanticism which clouds and inhibits that perception. This is an audaciously imaginative play, big in conception and theme, and a satisfying instance of a talented writer hitting full stride.