Grand opera according to the dictionary is “opera without dialogue”, well if Jenufa comes into that category then its brief was fulfilled, for although sung in English the audience were unable to hear the words due to the diction being lost in the music. Surtitles were what the audience were talking about during the intervals and why were they not provided. The audience should not be expected to read a synopsis of the opera before they arrive at the theatre. The stage is the place to reveal the story.

Leos Janacek wrote this opera in Prague in 1904 and the music still retains that fresh modern feel. The opera Is based on the play by Gabriela Peissova and tells the story of a girl Jenufa brought up Kostelnicka, the village sacristan. Laca, who has lost his inheritance, is in love with Jenufa, but she is in love with Steva by who she is having a baby. The plot then takes the twists and turns of infanticide and retribution. The final interpretation is up to each member of the audience.

The set is one of the most impressive modern interpretions to be seen on the British stage and was designed by Tom Cairns who also directed the opera. Wolfgang Gobbel’s lighting design just gave that something extra. The main characters’ singing is provided by Giselle Allen as Jenufa, Josephine Barstow as her stepmother and Christopher Purves as the foreman of the mill. Some of the finest singing is provided by the chorus of Opera North who excel in the numbers they are given to sing. The orchestra of Opera North has many fine musicians who show their talent under the able baton of Elgar Howarth and give just what is needed to bring Janacek’s music to life.

So what did the audience think? They gave subdued, but appreciative applause, but wished for surtitles above the stage to help them with the story line caused by words which were lost by the singers voices. Best summed up by a member of the audience who said, “I thought it was sung in Italian”. Dispite all the problems it was well worth the effort of going to the opera if only to listen to the music. © BA

“Jenufa” is in Hull on the 24th of October, 2002 and then continues a nation wide tour.