Cast & Characters

The Cast

Jenufa: Karita Mattila
Kostelnička: Anja Silja
Laca: Kim Begley
Števa: Jorma Silvasti
Conductor: Jiri Belohlávek

The Characters

Jenufa (soprano) (YEY-noo-fa)-The step-daughter of the Kostelnicka, a trusting, honest, and intelligent girl. When the opera begins she has become pregnant by her lover Steva, and is anxious to marry him before anyone finds out.
Kostelnicka Buryjovka (soprano) (Koss-tell-NICH-ka)-The sacristan of the local church, and the highest moral authority in the village. After the death of her abusive, alchoholic husband she became a model parent to her step-daughter Jenufa.
Grandmother Buryjovka (contralto) (Burr-ee-YOVE-ka)- Grandmother of Jenufa and Steva and step-grandmother of Laca.
Laca Klemen (tenor) (LA-kah) - Steva's half-brother, a good-hearted but bitter young man who resents Steva for his wealth and popularity. He has loved Jenufa since they were children.
Steva Buryja (tenor) (SHTEY-vah Burr-yaa)-Jenufa's wealthy cousin and lover, a good-looking, irresponsible boy who is very popular with the village girls.
Mill Foreman (baritone)-The foreman of the village mill.
The Mayor (bass)-The Mayor of the village. He is eager to have his daughter Karolka marry the wealthy Steva.
The Mayor's Wife (mezzo-soprano)-A sharp-witted and slightly mercenary woman.
Karolka (mezzo-soprano) (Karr-OLE-kah)-The Mayor's daughter, a frivolous, flirty young girl. She becomes engaged to Steva after he abandons Jenufa.
Jano (soprano) (YAH-no)-A shepherd boy whom Jenufa has taught to read.
Barena (soprano) (Bah-REY-nah)-A servant girl at the mill.