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The House of Bernarda Alba
Visiting Company
The National Theatre of Scotland presented a major new version of Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba. Set in contemporary Scotland, Rona Munro’s bristling, edgy translation featured Siobhan Redmond in the title role.
Following the gangland execution of her husband, the formidable matriarch Bernarda Alba will do anything to safeguard her family’s dubious fortune and the future of her five headstrong daughters. A deal is struck - a marriage of convenience between her eldest girl and the son of a business rival. All Bernarda has to do is ensure that the wedding happens, and quickly.
One of the most celebrated European dramas of the 20th century, Lorca described it as a “drama of women in the villages of Spain” - a theme that is electrifyingly transposed in this version to the tough communities of Glasgow’s East End. Faithfully preserving Lorca’s sense of boiling tension and impending tragedy, the production lined up a cast of twelve Scottish women who brought this classic text thrillingly up to date.
Cast: Jo Freer, Louise Ludgate, Vanessa Johnson, Anne Lacey, Mary McCusker, Myra McFadyen, Una McLean, Heather Nimmo, Julie Wilson Nimmo, Carmen Pieraccini, Siobhan Redmond and Morag Stark.
Directed by John Tiffany
By Federico García Lorca
Translated by Rona Munro
Main Theatre
User Rating ★★★★★
Rated: (5/5), based on 5 ratings
Preview 15.09.09 - 16.09.09
Post Show Discussion 02.10.09
Audio Described 01.10.09
Signed 03.10.09, 2:30 PM
Captioned 02.10.09
Wheelchair Access
Guide Dogs welcome
Induction Loop
Post show discussion part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival.
Contains strong language throughout.
Recommended for 14+
4 stars The Herald
4 stars The Scotsman
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN ARCHIVE ENTRY. THIS SHOW IS NO LONGER ON SALE.
Comments
Mary bridget ★★★★★
12th October 2009
I saw it with my school a couple of weeks ago it was amazing the best play of see
Laura ★★★★★
30th September 2009
Brilliant, agree with Marie, one of the best shows I have ever seen. Takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, shock, laughter, near tears. The cast are outstanding particularly Siobhan Redmond and Myra McFadyen. The Glasgow patter is fab!
Finlay Macintyre ★★★★★
30th September 2009
Was there last night. Very good. Great performances from Siobhan Redmond, Una McLean and Anne Lacey. Loved the 'footballers wives' set. I thought there might be a problem moving the action to modern Glasgow, not least the question of why they'd all be shut up together but I think Rona Munro pulled it off rather well. Was the El Paso sign recycled from another production? Pal Joey? It made me think of the one time pub in Barlanark but I'm sure that was not intentional, was it?
Marie ★★★★★
28th September 2009
It Was The Best Show I Have Been To
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Lesley McGlinchey ★★★★★
6th November 2009
Wonderful performances,from all the cast!! I know of some families just like Bernanda's Scarily!!