Leos Janacek

Jenůfa

Love makes a life – and destroys a family.

13 Mar–27 Mar 2024

A tale of honour, love and sacrifice, Jenůfa explores the stigma of pregnancy out of wedlock against the backdrop of a small community.

Loved by two half-brothers, Jenůfa is secretly pregnant by one of them. Abandoned by the child’s father, she gives birth alone, only assisted by her stepmother. Unaware of the child, the second brother pledges to marry Jenůfa, but, as their wedding looms, tragedy strikes.

Concerned for the family’s reputation, her stepmother commits an unspeakable act in the hope that dishonour is averted and Jenůfa does not remain alone. But when a baby’s body is found in the river on the wedding day, the devastating truth is revealed to all.

Directed by David Alden, ENO’s Olivier Award-winning staging updates the setting to an isolated 20th century industrial estate in the Eastern Bloc, giving the story a contemporary edge that makes it feel even more relevant for today’s audiences.

Janáček’s powerfully rich score is conducted by Keri-Lynn Wilson. Soprano Jennifer Davis makes her role debut as Jenůfa, with Susan Bullock as her stepmother Kostelnička and Richard Trey Smagur making his ENO debut as Laca. ENO Harewood Artist, John Findon, sings Steva.

‘heart-rending’

Evening Standard

'brilliantly effective production'

The Independent

'as compelling today as when it was first written'

Sunday Express

‘emotionally shattering’

The Times

Running Time
2hrs 35mins

There is one interval.

Access
We have an Access Scheme for our audiences with a disability, a health condition, or different access needs to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Tickets
Tickets start at just £10 plus £3.75 booking fee and £1.50 building levy per ticket. A maximum of £10.50 per transaction is charged.
Language
Sung in English, with subtitles projected above the stage

For more information, please contact our box office on 020 7845 9300 or [email protected]

Discover Jenůfa

Jenůfa 2023 Creative Team

Jenůfa 2023 Cast

Jennifer Davis

Jenufa

Susan Bullock

Kostelnicka

Richard Trey Smagur

Laca

John Findon

Steva

Fiona Kimm

Grandmother

Keel Watson

Mayor

Gweneth Ann Rand

Mayor's Wife

Segomotso Shupinyaneng

Karolka

Isabelle Peters

Barena