"M. Butterfly" is a play written by David Henry Hwang that premiered in 1988. It tells the story of a French diplomat, Bernard Boursicot, who falls in love with a Chinese opera singer, Shi Pei Pu, believing her to be a woman. The narrative explores themes of love, deception, and cultural stereotypes, challenging Western perceptions of the East. The play is inspired by the true story of Boursicot and Shi, highlighting the complexities of gender and identity. It critiques the romanticized view of Asian women in Western culture, using the backdrop of Madame Butterfly, an opera by Giacomo Puccini, to deepen its commentary.