The subject of Nikolai Leskov’s novella ‘Lady Macbeth Of Mtsensk’ is love, love of the obsessive kind, the kind of love that can only ever come to an unhappy ending.

Leskov’s main character is Katerina (Alice Parkinson) a beautiful but unhappy young woman. She has been married off at a very young age to wealthy merchant, Zinovy (Jason Langley), who gives her financial security but is unable to satisfy her sexually. One cold winter’s night Zinovy is urgently called away on business. Katerina seeks out womanising farmhand Sergei (Conrad Coleby). Zinovy’s nosey and controlling father Boris (Don Reid) confronts Katerina about her infidelity, imprisons Sergei, and Katerina ends up poisoning his dinner. Katerina’s life spirals tragically out of control, as her focus is on keeping Sergei in her life at any cost.

Most well known as a 1932 Shostakovich opera, Leskov’s work has been adapted for the downstairs Belvoir stage by Robert Couch, in a production that is truly a family affair. Robert Couch’s son, Joseph, directed the production, and Joseph’s sister, Esther designed the set.

This work, certainly, won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The world that Leskov presents is very dark. We see a woman driven by primal insecurities and passions to a terrible demise. The portrayal of men is hardly positive with Sergei portrayed as an unfeeling cad, and Zinovy as a cold, aloof man. Joseph directed the play tightly and there were some fine performances. Alice Parkinson was strong as the passionate, misguided Katerina, Conrad Coleby impressed as the caddish Sergei. The supporting cast worked hard playing multiple roles, a choice that worked effectively. Veteran actor Don Reid impressed particularly in his portrayal of the uptight Boris and a corrupt army sargeant.

Joseph Couch’s production of ‘Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk’ plays downstairs Belvoir Street until the 26th July, 2009.