back to stun

The Metropolitan Opera present Leos Janacek's 1904 seminal opera for the first time in nearly a decade this season. Familial honour is at stake, as a well-meaning woman takes terrible action to ensure her step-daughter's future in this emotionally overwroght psychological drama that pushes the performers and the audience. Starring Oksana Dya and Karita Mattia and conducted by David Robertson.

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 step mother, Kostelnica to step in, leading to a suitably tragic outcome.

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