Back To Stun

The Metropolitan Opera presents Jenufa, Leos Janacek's 1904 seminal opera, in a new production directed by Claus Guth. Following his acclaimed 2025 staging of Salome, Guth returns with a psychologically haunting take on Janacek's powerful drama.

Familial honour is at stake as a well-meaning woman takes devastating action to secure her stepdaughter's future in this emotionally overwrought psychological tragedy that tests both performers and audience alike. Soprano Asmik Grigorian leads as Jenufa, with Nina Stemme as Kostelnicka.

WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS SIN, CAN THEY BE FORGIVEN?

Jenufa is a grim morality tale with themes that still echo in some climates around the world today. When Jenufa falls pregnant, she prays that the father, the boisterous Stava, will marry her and make her and the child legitimate, much to the chagrin of his stepbrother Laca, who is torn between love and jealousy for the young woman. When Stava abandons her, Laca acts out maliciously, and it is up to her severe stepmother, Kostelnica, to step in, leading to a suitably tragic outcome.

Set in 19th-century Moravia, Kostelnica has long been seen as one of Janacek's most vivid characters, as she is forced to deal with the secret pregnancy and resulting child, attempting to save Jenufa from ruin while losing herself in the process. This story of redemption, sin, love, and forgiveness is likely to stay with you long after you have left the auditorium.