New Production

Join the celebrated operatic star, Florencia Grimaldi, as she takes a unique trip down the Amazon to delight her hometown with a long-awaited concert, track down her long-lost butterfly hunter lover and discover herself. Inspired by the writings of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Catan draws on magical realism to weave a thoroughly enchanting and lushly romantic tale. Don't miss this exciting new production from Mary Zimmerman, coming to the Met this holiday season!

What is the story?

Upon the steamship El Dorado opera diva Florencia Grimaldi is heavily disguised as she heads back to Manaus, the place she left two decades before. Alongside her the rest of the passengers include a warring couple, a biographer and the handsome captain's nephew. But Florencia has more on her mind than a homecoming concert. She is also looking for Cristobal, her lover who disappeared into the rainforest in search of butterflies many years ago. But will this ship reach safe port? And will she find Cristobal? The lines between fantasy and reality become increasingly blurred as they slowly sail on to an unknowable fate...