1h30

About this activity

Act 1
In the 1890’s, at the small house on top of a hill in Nagasaki, Japan, Pinkerton, an officer in the American Navy, has arranged to take a Japanese wife, Cho-cho-san, with the help of an intermediary. Sharpless, the American consul, advises Pinkerton that his actions are hasty. But Pinkerton ignores this advice.
Cho-cho-san is a 15 years old. She was born in a samurai family, but her father disemboweled which ruined the family. She became a geisha. She is pleased at her wedding, and she has secretly become a Christian. But, her relatives, who are Buddhist, sever connections with her due to her conversion. Pinkerton consoles his saddened bride.

Act 2
Since Pinkerton has returned to America, three years have passed. Cho-cho-san believes that he will return. One day, Sharpless visits her with a letter from Pinkerton, but can’t reveal the contents of the letter. Because, she looks happy with her child. After Sharpless leaves, Cho-cho-san confirms that an American battleship to which Pinkerton is assigned, enters port at Nagasaki. She waits for his return.
Cho-cho-san has a sleepless night, but her husband doesn’t come back. While she and her child take a rest in her bedroom in the morning, Pinkerton and Pinkerton’s “real” wife, Kate, appear in front of the house. Cho-cho-san’s maid, Suzuki, tells them of Cho-cho-san’s innocence. Pinkerton is filled with regret, and promptly leaves. He immediately departs leaving Kate to talk to Cho-cho-san. Cho-cho-san gets up, and when she sees Kate, suddenly everything is clear to her. Kate makes an offer to take in Pinkerton’s child, but Cho-cho-san refuses unless he comes to get his child.
Pinkerton unexpectedly reappears. Cho-cho-san has already killed herself with her father’s short dagger.