The House of Bernarda Alba (2009)
Directed by Samantha Golton
Performances: 21st-25th April 2009, Prompt Corner
Contents
Introduction
Lorca was executed at the hands of the fascist party during the Spanish Civil War and never saw this play produced. This is the third play in Lorca’s Rural works, which took as their subject “the countryfolk of Andalucía and their suffering”. Appearing after Blood Wedding and Yerma the play presents a challenge as whilst like the other two in the series, it uses the lyrical language of Andalucía, unlike the previous two it is in prose, and in the author’s own words meant to be a photographic documentary.
After the death of her second husband, authoritarian Bernarda imposes an 8 year period of mourning on her family – none of her daughters shall leave the house during that time, save the eldest, Angustias, who is to be married to Pepe El Romano. The play deals with the themes of authority, freedom, passion and suffering, whilst exploring the position of women in Spanish society.
We will be using A S Klein’s translation of the play as a starting point but will be referring to other versions and back to the original text in discussion with the cast so that we can do the language justice together.
Cast
- Bernarda Alba - Jenny Gammon
- María Josefa, her mother - Anne Greenslade
- La Poncia, her maid - Margaret Glenn
Her daughters
- Angustias - Joanna Hughes
- Magdalena - Sanchia Leddy
- Amelia - Liz Nesfield
- Martirio - Karen Webb
- Adela - Abi Sharma
- Maid - Clíodhna McAllister - Understudy Juliet Holden
- Beggarwoman - Jill Fenton
- Prudencia - Jeanette Hoile
- Chorus of mourners - Christina Andrews, Induja Bandara, Jenny Clements, Kristy Davis, Caroline Durant, Juliet Holden, Raffaella Patmore, Pepa Rivera
Crew
- PA - Anna York
- Stage Manager - Mark Ireson
- Lighting and Sound Design - James Webb
- Lighting Operator - James Webb/Anna York
Reviews
Some review quotes go here
Gallery
Reminiscences and Anecdotes
Members are encouraged to write about their experiences of working on or seeing this production. Please leave your name. Anonymous entries may be deleted.
See Also
- The House of Bernarda Alba (1973) Main Theatre
- The House of Bernarda Alba (1979) Prompt Corner
References
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