The House of Bernarda Alba (1973)
Directed by John B. Anderson assisted by Robin Gaff
Performances: Tue 10th – Sat 14th April 1973, Theatre
Contents
Introduction
from wikipedia The play centers on the events of an Andalusian house during a period of mourning, in which the title character (age 60) wields total control over her five daughters Angustias (39 years old), Magdalena (30), Amelia (27), Martirio, (24), and Adela (20). The housekeeper (La Poncia) and Bernarda's mother (María Josefa) also live there. The deliberate exclusion of any male character from the action is highly significant as it helps to build up the high level of sexual tension that is present throughout the play. Pepe "el Romano", the love interest of Bernarda's daughters and suitor of Angustias, never actually appears on stage. The play explores themes of repression, passion, and conformity, and inspects the effects of men upon women. Bernarda's cruel tyranny over her daughters foreshadows the stifling nature of Franco's fascist regime, which was to arrive just a few weeks after Lorca finished writing his play. Lorca's association with a number of intellectuals who belonged to the Communist Party of Spain such as Rafael Alberti was to result in his assassination shortly after the outbreak of Civil War in July 1936.
Cast
- Servant - Ivy Oram
- Poncia - Lillian Frith
- Women - Irene Moore, Myra Craig & Gillian Penrose
- Girl - Claire Sandford
- Augustius - Sheila Rees
- Amelia - Susan Cooksey
- Martirio - Fizz Gaff
- Adela - Sarah Saunders
- Magdalena - Kate Phillips
- Bernarda Alba - Irene Winbourne
- Maria Josefa - Constance Hunt
- Prudencia - Doris Emmerton
Crew
- Stage Director - D'Auvergne Barnard
- Assistants - Ray Seaton & Lawrence Day
- Designer - Bernie Bullbrook
- Lighting Design - Ken Gilley
- Lighting Operator - Tony Rapson
- Costume Design Execution - Pauline Slater
- Sound - Malcolm Saunders & Sandra Gillon
- Prompt - John Lyne? (in programme as John Line)
- F.O.H. Manager - Frank Howcutt
- Box Office Manger - Ralph Wade
Reviews
Some review quotes go here
Gallery
- Photos by Bim Harding - not fully restored
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
References
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