David Belasco was an American theatrical producer, impresario, director, and playwright. He was the first writer to adapt the short story Madame Butterfly for the stage. He launched the theatrical career of many actors, including James O'Neill, Mary Pickford, Lenore Ulric, and Barbara Stanwyck. Belasco pioneered many innovative new forms of stage lighting and special effects in order to create realism and naturalism.
Belasco in 1909
Belasco in 1873
Poster for The Heart of Maryland with Maurice Barrymore and Mrs. Leslie Carter
Belasco's monogram
Madame Butterfly (short story)
"Madame Butterfly" is a short story by American lawyer and writer John Luther Long. It is based on the recollections of Long's sister, Jennie Correll, who had been to Japan with her husband, a Methodist missionary. It was first published in Century Magazine in 1898 and adapted for the stage in 1900. Giacomo Puccini based his 1904 opera Madama Butterfly on the play.
Cover of a 1903 edition
Cho-Cho-San shows her baby to Suzuki.
The marriage broker fixes a date for Cho-Cho-San to meet Prince Yamadori.
Cho-Cho-San dressed in her finery for the meeting with Yamadori.