A UKRAINIAN performer received a standing ovation at the end of a show, which was captured in a moving video at Malvern Theatres.

At the end of the Madama Butterfly opera, the cast performed the Ukrainian national anthem, and Vitalii Liskovetskyi, the tenor, who is Ukrainian, took to the stage after his performance with a flag and was met with a huge round of applause.

Alongside Liskovetskyi, the cast was largely compiled of Ukrainian performers from the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv.

Worcester News: The cast of Madama Butterfly, with Vitalii Liskovetskyi at the front of the group.The cast of Madama Butterfly, with Vitalii Liskovetskyi at the front of the group.

The show came to Malvern Theatres for one night only on Sunday, March 6. 

The cast from the performance also stayed on the stage to cheer and support him as well. 

Amy Forster-Smith, of Peachfield Common, Malvern, who captured the footage, said: "It was a very special and emotional experience.

"I held it together at the end of the opera as there is a very tragic end, but as soon as the flag was unfurled and we all leapt to cheer I couldn’t help but cry.
"The tenor was emotional at the reception too of course - it must be so hard for him to perform the operatic tragedy knowing his country is under attack. He was brilliant.

"We did all we could in that moment to support him and the sentiments he wanted to express through raising his flag, but I also hope it inspired members of the audience to read more about the invasion and, if anyone can, donate to Ukrainian charities."

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the story of a young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant.

Ellen Kent, the director of Madama Butterfly, said: " I have worked with a lot of this cast since about 2002 and what is happening to their families is awful.

"With everything happening, I said to them that if they wanted to go back home I would understand, but if they wished to stay I would move heaven and earth to make it happen.

"They are outstanding professionals and we are like family."

One audience member who commented on the Malvern Theatres website said:" Wonderful performances and orchestra. So good to be back in live theatre.

"The finale support to the brave Ukrainian people was very moving, brought me to tears."

Another audience member said: "It was a wonderful performance, I had no idea I was going to enjoy it as much as I did.

"I only wish there was a collection for Ukraine available at the event."

The live performance is sung in Italian with English subtitles provided above the stage.