“For this production, we focused on refining posture and adjusting placement in particular – making sure, for instance, that Suzuki’s left hand always settles on top of her right or that Cio-Cio-San’s gestures reflect the character’s upbringing. “When I begin working on a production there is always a lot to consider: how the costumes will restrict the performer, and how the work can best reflect the world it is depicting,” Kamimura said. The consultation involved Covent Garden staff, academics, practitioners, performers and Asian representatives and led to changes to several aspects of the existing staging – including the use of movement and choreography. The ROH’s latest revival will be performed by two casts, including Lianna Haroutounian and Eri Nakamura in the role of Cio-Cio-San, and Kseniia Nikolaieva and Patricia Bardon in the role of Suzuki, while Dan Ettinger will conduct. It has been performed by the Royal Opera 416 times, making it the ninth-most performed work in the company’s repertoire. Puccini’s story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with American naval officer Pinkerton – with devastating consequences – has captivated audiences for more than a century and remains one of the most popular Italian operas. “Rather than cancelling the whole show, the Royal Opera House wanted to be in dialogue with it,” said Sonoko Kamimura, an expert in Japanese movement who has been working on the revival, opening to audiences on 14 June.