Set in a timeless Japan, idealised by the calligraphic symbolism of Ogata Korin, the story of the Geisha Cho-Cho-San is staged by the director Fabio Ceresa in an open set designed by Tiziano Santi, with a runway leading into infinity. Suzuki, shown on stage with long white hair like a Nipponese demon, first defends the sweet Madama Butterfly from the attacks of her uncle Bonzo, to then offer her the Katana for harakiri, wrapped in red velvet.