Wozzeck - English National Opera

It is apparently over 20 years since ENO (<http://eno.org>) put on a production of Wozzeck, I can't remember if I saw that production or one at the Royal Opera House - I do remember a very good ending with Wozzeck's drowning body!

So what can we say about the new production directed by Carrie Cracknell?  Bloody is a good word....the ending is very Quentin Tarantino!  Is this a good thing, not really as it leads to some sniggering from the audience when Wozzeck is asking where is the knife and it is clearly in his hand!  Also, all the references to water and drowning are weakened by changing it to a puddle of blood.

That said it was sung and played with great passion.  Sara Jakubiak's Marie was good, in a very harsh role.  Leigh Melrose was an excellent, tortured Wozzeck.