We chose Butterfly because the story was simple for students to understand. High school students sometimes have difficulty concentrating when the opera begins. In the case of Madama Butterfly, it is easy to understand even if they only start to pay attention during the second act. Most come in school groups, although it is possible for individuals to buy tickets. This particular time in July was chosen because it is immediately after the major examinations, just before the beginning of the summer vacation.
Many schools have a short break now while the teachers are marking exams.
The New National Theatre is serving an area with a huge population. Whether or not students have the chance of coming really depends on their teacher's initiative. On request we mail the schools information and we arrange for lecturers to go to schools to give talks. We haven't arranged any special backstage tours for them, although they are welcome to join the public tours that are organized four times a month. A digest version of the opera is available for loan to schools.