Minghella to stage 'Madam Butterfly'

LONDON, July 20 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning filmmaker Anthony Minghella has signed on to stage Giacomo Puccini's "Madam Butterfly" for the English National Opera.

Featuring a cast, chorus and orchestra of 110, the production is to open Nov. 5 and expected to play 12 performances in repertory in the ENO Sky & Artsworld 2005/06 Season through Dec. 13 at the London Coliseum.

One of the world's most popular operas, "Madam Butterfly" is the story of devotion, honor and betrayal set in Nagasaki, Japan, before the first world war. The tale of the young geisha girl Cio-Cio-San and her unwavering love for a callous U.S. Navy lieutenant has captivated audiences worldwide for more than 100 years, noted a news release for the show.

The British cast of 40 will be led by Mary Plazas, Gwyn Hughes Jones, Christopher Purves and Jean Rigby, and supported by Alan Oke, Julian Tovey, Mark Stone and Victoria Simmonds.

The new English translation is by David Parry and writer-director Minghella.

Minghella's films include "The English Patient," "Cold Mountain," "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Truly, Madly, Deeply."