M. Butterfly. (Paperback)

by David Henry Hwang (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Perhaps the chief merit of M. Butterfly is that it preserves a performance of a play widely regarded as a contemporary classic with its original Broadway leads, John Lithgow and B.D. Wong. A Tony Award-winner for best play, David Henry Hwang's work looks at the life and loves of Rene Gallimard, who learns that his Chinese mistress of twenty years is actually a man and Communist spy. Both Lithgow and Wong have refined their work over hundreds of stage performances in these challenging roles. Hearing two such accomplished actors in parts they have mastered is a rare treat. These tapes offer a classic interpretation of an acclaimed play. On the strength of recordings like these, the L.A. Theatre Works is producing radio drama to rival the quality work of the BBC. -- AudioFile --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Description
A play based on the true story of a French diplomat, Bernard Boursicot, posted to Peking, who fell in love with a seductive opera singer, named Shi Pei Pu, apparently unaware that Pei Pu was a man. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Dramatists Play Service Inc (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822207125
• ISBN-13: 978-0822207122
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #17,273 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars M. Butterfly, April 23, 2001

By	lindsay oliver (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: M. Butterfly: With an Afterword by the Playwright (Paperback)

M. Butterfly takes place in the mind of Rene Gallimard. While the play begins with him in a French prison, we are taken far away from this prison into the depths of his mind. His fantasies of Song Liling are both reality and illusionary. He will ultimately face the most shocking truth about the "woman" he thought he loved for twenty years. M. Butterfly takes a bold move in rearranging common roles set by our society, whether speaking for the present or from fifty years ago. This play dives deep into the pool of stereotypes and makes every turn imaginable. While the Eastern/Western dichotomy is presented with stereotypes of both sides, roles are soon reversed which gives the dichotomy a whole new meaning. Gallimard, initially portrayed as the Western dominant male, and Song, initially portrayed as the compliant Asian woman, will both eventually reverse their sexual roles although their enthnic identities remain in tact. Gallimard evolves from the controller to the controlled, while Song proves his power and control as his masculinity is revealed. All of this role and sexual confusion causes us to re-examine the stereotypes. Are they socially constructed or are they inherent in the person? You must read and decide for yourself!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Poetry of Cultural, Sexual, and Gender Politics, August 21, 2006

By	Geek Chick (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: M. Butterfly: With an Afterword by the Playwright (Paperback)

Reviewers who focus on the inplausibility of the play's premise are missing the forest for the trees. The ridiculousness of Gallimard's situation is the product of his (and through him, the West's) self-absorbed and limited view of the East, evidenced through the overly simplistic dichotomy of East & West. He has been utterly blinded by his preconceptions of gender, culture, and politics. Hwang has written a masterpiece with grace, humor, and wit. Students of literary analysis will find a text rich in archetypes and ritual.

Highly recommended.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great production, July 17, 2001

By	"feeler" (Imperial Center) - See all my reviews

This review is from: M. Butterfly (Audio CD)

This audiobook presentation of M Butterfly will give listeners a first class seat to hear one of literature's great stories. M butterfly is much more then a love story; rather it is a multi-themed tale which addresses many issues. West vs East, Fantasy vs reality sexuality, true love and the human condition. John Lithgow and B. D. Wong are great in the leading roles, especially Wong what a transformation! Buy this production and enjoy this mind's eye treat. L.A theatre works did an excellent job in putting it all together and I will not hesitate to buy more of their audio products. Thank goodness Amazon carries a large selection! Highly recommended