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Jenůfa is with baby however with out husband – very naughty in 1904 when Czech composer Leoš Janáček wrote this opera and at the least ‘unadvisable’ in 1970’s Czechoslovakia, the place David Alden units this present. In 2024, its third trip of the ENO retailer cabinet, this manufacturing has misplaced a few of its growl. Not because of the material; for what it’s value, one most likely nonetheless shouldn’t drown a toddler within the river and gaslight the mom into pondering it died of pure causes. It’s a stable present which nonetheless works after its premiere 18 years in the past. Charles Edwards’ sparse…
Score
Good
A pitch excellent however damp revival of Janáček’s masterpiece.
Jenůfa is with baby however with out husband – very naughty in 1904 when Czech composer Leoš Janáček wrote this opera and at the least ‘unadvisable’ in 1970’s Czechoslovakia, the place David Alden units this present. In 2024, its third trip of the ENO retailer cabinet, this manufacturing has misplaced a few of its growl. Not because of the material; for what it’s value, one most likely nonetheless shouldn’t drown a toddler within the river and gaslight the mom into pondering it died of pure causes.
It’s a stable present which nonetheless works after its premiere 18 years in the past. Charles Edwards’ sparse and chilly new-industrial peasant-y designs for manufacturing facility ground and a bleak dwelling life are chilling. There’s no heat to be discovered on stage. Oddly sufficient there’s loads of heat to be discovered coming from the pit.
Janáček’s music is as grisly as one would count on contemplating the subject material, however right here led with a brevity by conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson; a pure alternative at this second – she is founding conductor of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, (that are touring Europe with London dates this August) and has simply completed conducting La Bohème on the Royal Opera Home. There’s something of the lightness of Puccini in her interpretation right here, which is an attention-grabbing alternative that leaves the orchestration feeling underdeveloped and a bit too gentle and ethereal for the subject material.
The forged are improbable and the singing is large all through, however some odd selections have been made on character. Jennifer Davis (Jenůfa) is in positive, heat voice and a delight to listen to, however doesn’t let a lot of the psychology of the position out of her head. As with Richard Trey Smagur’s Laca, (Jenůfa’s back-up possibility if she will be able to’t wed the baby-daddy), who’s performed as a little bit of a Lenny from Of Mice and Males, there’s quite a lot of wistful trying round with extensive eyes. All honest and nicely till you’re anticipated to result in an act one passionate climax, slicing a penknife although your pregnant beloved’s cheek.
Susan Bullock as step-mother Kostelnička is a daunting sight, charged with terror. She is giving her all on this manufacturing and brava for that. It’s she, we are able to simply consider, would do the deadly deed to the newborn. If the remainder of the characterisation within the different roles have been higher developed and fewer moist, she might need one thing to play towards. In impact, she is stranded, taking part in towards her personal improbable efficiency, a superb instance of camp in opera! The drama begins and ends along with her.
Conductor: Keri-Lynn Wilson
Director: David Alden
Set Designer: Charles Edwards
Costume Designer: Jon Morrell
Choreographer: Maxine Braham
Jenůfa runs on the Coliseum till Wednesday 27 March. Additional data and bookings might be discovered right here.
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