San Francisco Playhouse will present the Tony Award-winning M. Butterfly, written by David Henry Hwang (Chinglish, Yellow Face, Soft Power, and operas The Monkey King, Dream of the Red Chamber).
Inspired by the real-life trial of Bernard Boursicot, this breathtaking drama reimagines Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly through the story of a French diplomat’s 20-year affair with a Chinese opera singer. This trailblazing and poignant play illuminates the radical politics of cross-cultural relations, gender identity, illusion, and desire. Bridgette Loriaux, who provided movement direction for last season’s hit production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at San Francisco Playhouse, returns to direct this production. M. Butterfly will perform February 5 – March 14, 2026 at San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street.
For tickets ($52- $145) and more information, the public may visit sfplayhouse.org or call the box office at 415- 677-9596.
Opening on Broadway in 1988, M. Butterfly catapulted Hwang onto the national scene, receiving immediate critical acclaim, and winning three Tony Awards including Best Play, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play, and a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
It saw a film adaptation, and of its 2017 Broadway revival, The New York Times said it “remains urgently relevant.” Variety called M. Butterfly “an audaciously imaginative play, big in conception and theme, and a satisfying instance of a talented writer hitting full stride.” New York Post proclaimed, “it will move you, it will thrill you, it may even surprise you. It is a play not to be missed, and it is a play once caught that will never be forgotten.” Hwang’s work was most recently seen in San Francisco in the stunning, internationally-lauded World Premiere of The Monkey King at San Francisco Opera, featuring a libretto by Hwang set to a soaring score by Huang Rho. The Monkey King was called “spectacular” by The New York Times, and “a dazzling triumph” by San Francisco Chronicle.