"Jenufa" by Leos Janacek - Royal Northern College of Music/1999
Director: Stefan Janski - Lighting designer: Philip L. Edwards
DESIGNER: PETER RUTHVEN HALL
On one level "Jenufa" is a tale set in a secluded Moravian farming community; Janacek used Czech word rhythms to inspire his musical line. On another level, it is a harsh psychological drama;
Jenufa's illegitimate baby is drowned under the ice by her foster mother in order to preserve them from shame.
We first meet Jenufa outside the mill, in the autumn, just before her drunken fiancé is forbidden to marry her.
Four months later, their child is born and Jenufa is confined in a secret room; it is now severe winter. The baby is taken away and murdered; the Angel of Death passes through the house.
In the spring, Jenufa is about to marry her half cousin.
As the weather warms, the ice thaws and the baby's body is discovered. Her secret is out. But only as her foster mother admits her guilt and is led away, does Jenufa finally disover true love in her betrothed.
(For more information about the designer see his entry in the Designers' Register)