Boston University School of Theatre
House of Bernarda Alba
by Federico García Lorca
Directed by Tim Spears
September 22-24, 2014

The play centers on the events of a house in Andalusia during a period of mourning, in which Bernarda Alba (aged 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 elderly mother (María Josefa) also live there.

The deliberate exclusion of any male character from the action helps 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 appears on stage. The play explores themes of repression, passion, and conformity, and inspects the effects of men upon women.

Cast

Tricia O'Toole, Bernarda Alba
Isabel Schnall, Angustias
Tess Wenger, Magdalena
Caitlin Rodstein, Amelia
Kaela Shaw, Martiro
Annabelle Cousins, Adela
Teresa Langford, Poncia
Katherine Carr, The Servant / Little Girl
Allie Kauffmann, The Servant
Erin Minervini, The Servant
Sarah Muirhead, The Servant / Maria Josefina
Claudia Ramos, The Servant / Beggar Woman
Katherine Zahorak, The Servant / Prudencia

Artistic Team

Federico García Lorca, Playwright
David Hare, Adaptor
Tim Spears, Director
Ghazal Hasani, Design