Jenufa

Washington National Opera

October 3, 2009, 1:00 pm

Composer: Leos Janacek
Conductor: Jiri Belohlavek

Cast: Patricia Racette (Jenufa); Catherine Malfitano (Kostelnicka); Kim Begley (Laca Klemen); Judith Christin (Grandmother Buryjovka); Raymond Very (Steva Buryja); Charles Robert Austin (Mayor); Janice Meyerson (Mayor's Wife); Leslie Mutchler (Karolka); Elizabeth Andrews Roberts (Jano); Jeffrey Wells (Foreman); Christina Martos (Barena); Magdalena Wor (Herdswoman)

Patricia Racette gives a stunning performance in the title role of Janacek's searing drama, alongside an equally stirring portrayal of Kostelnicka by Catherine Malfitano. Jenufa is an undoubted masterpiece, telling a disturbing, yet strangely inspiring story of multiple betrayals, gruesome murder and ultimate -- if unlikely -- forgiveness.

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