The Boston Lyric Opera has postponed plans for its new production of “Madama Butterfly”.

The company announced that “after internal reflection and discussions with company management and the original creative team, BLO has changed previously announced plans to mount a new production of Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly’. “

Interim General Manager and Artistic Director Bradley Vernatter said the change is an affirmation that Boston Lyric Opera is committed to creating inclusive environments and intentional storytelling for its audiences and performers.

The CEO and Artistic Director added that the company would be embarking on a year-long process “to examine how we can more thoughtfully and responsibly engage with the modern music, dramaturgy and cultural implications of ‘Butterfly.’ Considering our planned production of “Butterfly”, it became clear that this was not the time for BLO to present a theatrical version of the opera. We recognize that this play remains a masterpiece, and for good reason, but we take responsibility for unpacking the layers of this story – especially when it comes to appropriation, race, and gender stereotypes. BLO remains committed to employing our previously engaged ‘Butterfly’ artists and thoughtfully engaging with them around opera.

The news comes as the company announces its 2021-22 season which will feature both live and streaming productions.