"M. Butterfly" is a play by David Henry Hwang that premiered in 1988. It is inspired by the true story of a French diplomat who fell in love with a Chinese opera singer, believing her to be a woman. The narrative explores themes of love, deception, and cultural stereotypes, particularly regarding Eastern and Western perceptions of gender and sexuality. The play challenges traditional notions of identity and examines the complexities of relationships across cultural divides. It raises questions about the nature of reality and illusion, as well as the impact of colonialism on personal and political dynamics.