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

Credits

Conductor
Antonio Pappano
Cast
Aigul AkhmetshinaSonyetka
Brandon JovanovichSergey
Eva-Maria WestbroekKaterina Ismailova
Hubert FrancisCoachman/Second Workman
John DaszakZinovy Ismailov
John TomlinsonBoris ISmailov
Jonathan FisherPorter
Mikhail SvetlovPolice Inspector
Miranda KeysFemale Convict
Paata BurchuladzeOld Convict
Peter BronderShabby Peasant
Rosie AldridgeAksin
Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra 
Simon ShibambuSteward/Sentry
Thomas AtkinsTeacher
Wojtek GierlachPriest

Additional Details

Production type
Operas and Musicals
Plays
Macbeth
Subjects
Shakespeare
Keywords
murder; conspiracy theories

Online Availability

Online URL
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b39shc

Production Company

Name

BBC Radio 3

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av78211 (Accessed 25 Nov 2024)