A bold exploration of female identity, sexuality and power: Lorca’s The House of Bernada Alba is beautifully transformed for the Royal Exchange’s distinctive in-the-round theatre in a co-production with the trail-blazing Graeae Theatre Company.
Bernarda’s husband is dead. Now she alone rules her household and the lives of her five daughters. A period of eight years mourning will be observed without contact with the outside world and the men who might bring them ruin. That is except for Angustias, whose inheritance has attracted a wealthy local suitor. As the wedding approaches, Bernarda struggles to retain her suffocating grip on the family and on these women whose appetite for defiance is growing.
The play is directed by Graeae’s Artistic Director Jenny Sealey, in a translation by Jo Clifford with the award-winning Kathryn Hunter in the title role. Deftly weaving the incredible talent of Deaf and disabled actors into this compelling drama, each performance creatively integrates British Sign Language, Audio Description and Captioning. The production will run from 3 – 25 February.Jenny Sealey said:
‘I have wanted to direct this play for many years, and am thrilled to finally be doing so with this full-blooded translation by the wonderful Jo Clifford and in the unique space that is the Royal Exchange Theatre. Alongside this heated tale of competitiveness, danger and fragility, we’ll be weaving Graeae’s famous aesthetics of access into the fabric of the production, ensuring it truly is a landmark event, while showcasing the extraordinary talent of our Deaf and disabled actors.’
Royal Exchange Artistic Director Sarah Frankcom said:
‘We are thrilled to be making this show with the brilliant Jenny Sealey cementing our relationship further with Graeae. Their work is synonymous with access, placing Deaf and disable actors centre-stage and ensuring that every show is fully accessible, BSL, captioning and audio-description are seamlessly woven into the production. This is the first time audiences will experience work on our stage in this way. In January Amit Sharma will join us from Graeae, as part of the Arts Council’s Change Makers programme, to continue the work we’ve started here.’
THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA – Listings Information
A Royal Exchange Theatre and Graeae Theatre Company co-production
By Federico García Lorca
Translated by Jo Clifford
Directed by Jenny Sealey
3 – 25 February – The Theatre
PERFORMANCE TIMES:
Monday – Saturday evenings, 7.30pm
Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday matinees, 2.30pm
TICKET PRICES:
Standard tickets from £16.50
Half price previews from £5
Banquette tickets £10
