Jenufa

Synopsis

Set in Moravia in 1900. Jenufa, loved by Laca, has a son by Steva. Steva denies responsibility and is set to marry the mayor's daughter Karolka. Thinking that she would aid a marriage between Laca and Jenufa the sexton, Kostelnicka drowns the baby in the brook and tells Jenufa that it has died. Jenufa and Laca are about to be married as are Steva and Karolka. As the ceremony begins news comes that the body of a baby has been found under the ice. The Kostelnicka steps forward and confesses her guilt. Comforted by Jenufa's forgiveness, she is led away. Jenufa now turns to Laca and gives him his freedom; but he is faithful, and as the curtain falls they pledge their love.

Our Review:

22 October 2007

In a modest introduction to the published text of Jenufa by the Czech playwright Gabriela Preissova, Timberlake Wertenbaker explains how her adaptation, based on a literal translation by David Short, departs in both major and minor ways from the original.

We know the title as the magnificent, searingly emotional opera by Janacek, who wrote both libretto and score based on Preissova’s controversial 1910 folk drama originally known as Her Stepdaughter. Jenufa’s the stepdaughter of the village sacristan Kostelnichka, who kills Jenufa’s baby to preserve her honour after the father, Steva, a drunken mill owner, has been placed on a year’s probation before he can marry her.

Steva’s step-brother Latsa is in love with Jenufa and, in his frustration, accidentally scars her with his knife. When Steva is told of the child, he confesses that he’s now repulsed by the facially disfigured Jenufa and is about to marry the mayor’s daughter anyway. In the o...

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