Performer: Alexander Teliga

Director Lotte De Beer's thoroughly realized, aesthetically rich and beautifully executed production of Janáček's masterpiece is anchored by strong performances from Nina Stemme and Svetlana Aksenova.

Willy Decker does not try to make the structure of the plot any clearer, mainly concentrating on the deeper meaning of the work. The cast was excellent.

Many scenes could risk to be particularly disturbing,  but their overt brutality appeared functional, to the structure of the drama. A dark, gloomy story as unambiguously told as it should be.