Marionette

Title:

Madama Butterfly

Object Name:

Marionette

Object ID:

2004.022.05

Creator:

New England Marionette OperaCraftsperson; Hayashi, Masako

Place of Origin:

Peterborough, NH

Date:

1992-1998

Description:

Marionette, Madama Butterfly, from the opera "Madama Butterfly," performed at the New England Marionette Opera in Peterborough, NH, 1992-1998. Cast neoprene figure of a Japanese woman. Movable joints at neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, knees, and ankles. Face painted white, with painted black hair, black eyes, lavender eye shadow, and red lips. Body painted white, except for hands. Metal butterfly earrings. White kimono with red lining. Red neck scarf. Wide gray waistband, tied in back, with silver hexagonal design, red cord, and pink printed band above. Red painted fingernails. Black sandals. New black strings attached to body, but no control bar.

Material:

Neoprene
Textile

Dimensions:

H-22 W-10 D-4.5 inches

Provenance:

Used in the opera "Madama Butterfly" at the New England Marionette Opera in Peterborough, NH, 1992-1998. Edward R. (Ted) Leach was the founder and director of the opera company. The theater burned on January 1, 1999, destroying almost all of the marionettes and sets. Only two marionettes survived unscathed. This is one of eight marionettes that were rehabilitated for donation to NHHS. Sculpted by David Szehi. Costume by Masako Hayashi.

Credit Line:

Gift of Edward R. and Beverly D. Leach

Subjects:

Marionettes, Operas & operettas, Opera houses, Theatrical productions, Kimonos