The House of Bernarda Alba at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh Review
The House of
Bernarda Alba
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
9-12 November 2016
Reviewed by Juliana Headley
Last night’s performance was hosted by the Studio. It’s a modern, multifunctional building in the heart of Edinburgh with great transport links and is a part of the Festival Theatre complex.
“The House of Bernarda Alba” was written by a Spanish dramatist Garcia Lorca in the 1930s, just before the start of the Spanish Civil War. And is about repression, dominance, imposing of rules and how differently each individual copes with them.
The play started with a funeral of the only male of the family. From the very first moment, it was very clear – the person in charge had always been his wife – Bernarda Alba, a very dominant and controlling woman. She considered herself to be part of the elite and well above anyone else in their rural part of Spain. And because of that, she denied all of her 5 daughters any chance of happiness outside of the family home, thinking none of the suitors were good enough. She imposed 8 year mourning just because she had to go though it when her dad passed away and also she did not want to lose control she had over her children. Not surprisingly, that resulted in a riot from her youngest daughter Adela and mental health issues from another daughter Martirio. The only possible way to break free from the mother-tyrant was to get married and all the daughters set their eyes on the same young man Pepe…. And it all ended in a tragedy and tears!
I had a very emotional night! It was great to see an amazing performance from a local theatre company. The venue was very cosy and therefore had a very intimate atmosphere. Being so close to the actors, I was able to see every expression on the performers’ faces and experience every emotion they were going through, almost touch them to comfort. And so did all the others! There was not a dry eye in the house!
At £11 per person, tickets sold out very quickly, so to stand any chance of seeing this dramatic and tense play, you have got to be quick! It’s only on for 4 nights!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost £11 (booking fees may apply).
The House of Bernarda Alba is at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh until 12 November 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT | 0131 529 6000
