The House of the Spirits

Caridad Svich’s adaptation of Isabel Allende’s stunning, sensual, best-selling novel was commissioned for NYC’s Repertorio Espanol, where the Spanish-language version is currently on stage through November 2009.  The play is told from the point of view of the youngest of three generations of women, Alba, whose swirling memories - frightening and amusing, lyrical and fantastic - illuminate the stage as she records her family's history and ultimately finds the strength to recover her own story.   MST’s production will be the English-language premiere of this play which critics call “a tumultuous and supernatural family saga that restores the story’s vibrant magical realism.” 

The House of the Spirits charts the rise and fall of the Trueba family in an un-named Latin American country (reminiscent of Chile). The piece spans the 1920s through the 1970s, as the country moves through enormous sociopolitical changes that culminate in a devastating dictatorship.  Author Allende complemented the production at Repertorio Espanol with, "It was a true celebration to watch the show…it’s extraordinary because it is presented with immense creativity and originality.  The novel’s spirit was replicated in the play.  It's very authentic.”

Just this summer The House of the Spirits/La Casa de los Espiritus and its production at Repertorio Espanol
 have been honored with Seven 2009 HOLA Awards including Outstanding Achievement in Playwriting for Caridad Svich.  Repertorio Espanol’s production has been extended through November 20, and Main Street is honored to be able to offer the English-language premiere while the Spanish-language premiere is running.  MST’s production also marks the Houston premiere of any of Svich’s works.