Live opera tonight – a Polish rarity

Poznan Opera stages a rarely performed opera by the national composer Stanislaw Moniuszko, shown for the first time on slippedisc (courtesy of OperaVision) in an arrangement by its conductor Rafał Kłoczko.

Ilaria Lanzino, an Italian director of the young generation, known for her unconventional and coherent productions, directs Jawnuta to designs by Dorota Karolczak.   For Lanzino, this is a story about the Polish Roma and their complicated history, about the power of prejudice and how to avoid it.   Be prepared to be moved by Moniuszko’s lyrical Roma songs and rousing melodies.  Main singers are  Małgorzata Olejniczak – Worobiej  as Chicha,  Piotr Kalina  as Stach / Officer and  Galina Kuklina as Jawnuta.

The Plot:  A great love that must defy prejudice. A secret kept hidden for years and a surprising denouement. The formidable force of memories unveiling the mysteries of the past. Stach comes from a wealthy family, Chicha is a Gypsy. Social conventions, intolerance and stubbornness stand in the way of their happiness. Will Stach and Chicha end up together? Will the family secrets come out? Is a happy ending always happy?

Available tonight  18 December 2022 at 18:00 CET / 1700 London/  1200 NY      (Subtitles in English and Polish)