“The production of Stanisław Moniuszko’s ‘Jawnuta’ by the Grand Theatre in Poznań, directed by Ilaria Lanzino, was awarded by the jury of the International Opera Awards. ‘Jawnuta’ is not just a story about difficult love despite prejudices and stereotypes. It is also an extraordinary lesson in tolerance and a reminder of the tragic history of the Roma during World War II. A bold, surprising production.”

E-Teatr

“An impressive production of great theatrical beauty, with intricately crafted group scenes, precise acting tasks for the choristers, and interestingly sketched characters for the main actors.”

Tygodnik Angora

“This bold production demonstrates the infinite possibilities that non-traditional theater venues can offer. (…) Ilaria Lanzino’s direction denies a comforting ending and places Jawnuta at the edge of a track that disappears into the distance, making it clear what the arrival station is. We are in the 1940s, the extermination camps are fully operational, and the trains lead to death in the Nazi camps. (…) The dramatic discrepancy between text and theatrical outcome is considerable. (…) Lanzino has immersed herself in the living flesh of drama, bringing it to places Moniuszko’s music and the original text objectively could not reach.”

Classic Voice

“However, the most important element of this special production is the direction. (…) The great advantage of Lanzino’s direction lies not only in the innovative yet coherent view of the content of the performance but also in the great attention to its visual aspect. (…) Extremely colorful, beautiful, and touching.”

Kultura Poznań

“A touching memorial to the lost history of the Roma.”

International Opera Magazine

“Ilaria Lanzino has created an excellent, contemporary, and touching production. (…) A shocking, contemporary story about the relationships between two communities, the Roma and the Poles. (…) Emotions and a clear dramaturgical concept are the strengths of the Poznań premiere. (…) An excellent example of how to play with the past to speak about recent, painful history and the present.”

Kulturalny Cham

“Ilaria Lanzino’s portrayal of the Roma goes far beyond the extinguished fate of an eradicated culture, history, or language. (…) Without Chicha, without Jawnuta, who become symbols for all those excluded by society.”

E-Teatr.pl

“The recent premiere of the Grand Theatre in Poznań proved that tradition carries within it the need for change and seeks to reveal its new meaning through it. (…) ‘Jawnuta’ by the Grand Theatre in Poznań is an event that opens eyes, ears, and hearts. (…) This is the role of socially engaged art.”

Nasz Głos

“An unusual, must-see opera evening. (…) Ilaria Lanzino thoroughly dispels romanticized and folkloristic clichés. (…) A moving lament, ending in the hope for a better future.”

Orpheus Magazine

Creation: Ilaria Lanzino & Rafal Kloczko

Music: Sara Czurejas Band

Stage direction: Ilaria Lanzino

Stage design: Dorota Karolczak

Costume design: Ilona Birnarsch

Fotos: Bartek Barczyk