Raconte-moi Madame Butterfly
Un Soir d'été à Saveilles - VIIIth edition
Fri Jul 31, 2026 at 09:00 PM
Timezone : Europe/Paris
Château de Saveilles, Rue du Château, Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie, France
On 31 July, for the eighth consecutive year, Les Amis du Château de Saveilles, in partnership with the Paris-based Opéra Clandestin, will once again bring magic to the ancient walls of the château for the enjoyment of both local residents and visitors.
‘A Summer Evening in Saveilles’ is a unique event that immerses visitors in a festive and magical atmosphere, featuring ‘Raconte-moi Madame Butterfly’, Giacomo Puccini’s opera adapted and directed by the Opéra Clandestin company.
This is a short version (1 hour 15 minutes), sung and narrated, performed outdoors.
This show is suitable for all ages (10 years and over).
******************************** THE STORY *******************************
Madame Butterfly is one of the ten most frequently performed operas in the world, and certainly one of the most poignant.
Madame Butterfly is one of the ten most frequently performed operas in the world, and certainly one of the most poignant.
The story is set in Japan, in Nagasaki Bay, around 1900. The American officer Pinkerton marries Cio-Cio San, known as Madame Butterfly, a young geisha, despite her family’s opposition and the warnings of Consul Sharpless.
The young woman falls deeply in love with him.
Pinkerton returns to the United States without giving any news.
For three years, Butterfly continues to wait for him and to hope, certain that he will return to her and meet their child. Imbued with the Japanese code of honour, a world away from her husband’s American mindset, she could not bear to live betrayed and dishonoured.
In this reinterpretation, the story is narrated in French and sung in Italian. The staged narrative interludes add a touch of humour, helping the audience to immerse themselves even further in the drama and the powerful beauty of Puccini’s music.
**************************** PROGRAMME*****************************
Join us:
at 5.30 pm: Guided tour of the château, led by the owner, in French and English.
Join us:
at 5.30 pm: Guided tour of the château, led by the owner, in French and English.
From 5.30 pm, local producers will be on hand for you to sample their produce and stock up.
at 6.30 pm: A stroll through the gardens and a festive picnic
Tables and benches will be available for the picnic, which can take two forms:
- either a packed lunch from your own bag,
- or the option to visit one of the food trucks on site: “L’Ours Gourmet” and “Grave les crocs”, which will offer various menus and drinks (non-alcoholic); orders taken on site.
A refreshment bar will also be available on site.
Tables and benches will be available for the picnic, which can take two forms:
- either a packed lunch from your own bag,
- or the option to visit one of the food trucks on site: “L’Ours Gourmet” and “Grave les crocs”, which will offer various menus and drinks (non-alcoholic); orders taken on site.
A refreshment bar will also be available on site.
At 9.00 pm: Opera “Raconte-moi Madame Butterfly”
At the end of the performance, a drinks reception with the performers.
*********************To attend the event**************************
Advance tickets available while stocks last from 1 June 2026.
Advance tickets available while stocks last from 1 June 2026.
Tickets on sale at the venue subject to availability on 31 July 2026.
For further information, please email contact.chateausaveilles@gmail.com
HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION
The castle is surrounded by a moat. Children remain the responsibility of their parents or accompanying adults.
The health and safety regulations in force at the time of the event will be observed.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Parking is possible along the walls of the park, outside the estate. It is advisable to follow the signs to avoid obstructing the passage of agricultural convoys, as this is a departmental road.
Packed lunches (for those concerned) can be left in a room in the château outbuildings.
On-site refreshment bar (beer and soft drinks).
Partners
Date and place
Fri Jul 31, 2026 at 09:00 PM
Timezone : Europe/Paris
1 rue du Château à Saveilles, 16240, Paizay-Naudoyuin-Embourie, France
0608173615