Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

Synopsis: The soprano, Eva-Maria Westbroek stars as Katerina Ismailova in Shostakovich’s 20th Century masterpiece. Bored with her life and marriage, Katerina falls for Sergey; a worker in her husband’s factory.

During the absence of her husband, Zinovy, Katerina begins a torrid affair with Sergey. When Katerina’s adultery is discovered by her father-in-law, Boris, she poisons his food and kills him. Upon his return, Zinovy discovers the affair too only to be murdered by Katerina and Sergey.

When Zinovy’s hastily concealed remains are discovered, Katerina and Sergey are despatched to Siberia. On their long journey to incarceration. Katerina is destroyed by Sergey’s affair with another convict, Sonyetka. Katerina choses to end her life in a river but makes sure she grabs Sonyetaka to share her watery grave.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Radio
Transmission details: 19 May 2018 at 18:30 (Channel: BBC Radio 3)
Duration: 210 mins

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Aigul Akhmetshina	Sonyetka
Brandon Jovanovich	Sergey
Eva-Maria Westbroek	Katerina Ismailova
Hubert Francis	Coachman/Second Workman
John Daszak	Zinovy Ismailov
John Tomlinson	Boris ISmailov
Jonathan Fisher	Porter
Mikhail Svetlov	Police Inspector
Miranda Keys	Female Convict
Paata Burchuladze	Old Convict
Peter Bronder	Shabby Peasant
Rosie Aldridge	Aksin
Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra
Simon Shibambu	Steward/Sentry
Thomas Atkins	Teacher
Wojtek Gierlach	Priest

British Universities Film & Video Council