The raw emotion at the centre of Puccini's Madama Butterfly calls for not one handkerchief, but a whole box, when performed by a gifted company capable of engaging and moving their audience.

By popular demand, just such a production of this well-loved opera returns to the New Theatre, Oxford, next Friday and Saturday (February 22 and 23), thanks to impresario Ellen Kent and Opera International, who are bringing the Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa back to the UK for yet another tour.

This talented company, now recognised as one of the finest in Europe, has visited Oxford often. Reviewers describe their productions as musical and visual feasts. This production, with its authentic kimonos - some of which were especially ordered from Japan - was nominated for the Opera of the Year award in 2006, and as a thank you for introducing the Ukrainian Opera to the UK, Ellen Kent was awarded the Golden Fortune Honorary Medal by the Ukrainian President, Vladimir Yushchenko.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Madama Butterfly is set in early 20th-century Japan. It's the tragic story of US Navy Lieut B.F.Pinkerton and his Japanese wife Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San) whose fate is sealed the moment she accepts Pinkerton's 999-year marriage contract, which contains a monthly renewal clause.

Pinkerton is warned that such an arrangement invites tragedy, but the self-indulgent officer ignores this advice, making it clear he considers the wedding a mere game. After a short marriage, Pinkerton heads back to the US, leaving the loyal Butterfly waiting for his ship to reappear. Then comes the heartbreaking moment three years later, when Pinkerton returns to Nagasaki with his new American wife and Butterfly makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to allow a new life for her toddler son, Sorrow.

Tickets for Madama Butterfly can be booked by phoning 0870 606 3500.