National Theatre of Scotland: The House of Bernarda Alba

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

This autumn the National Theatre of Scotland presents a major new version of Federico Garcia Lorca's The House of Bernarda Alba. Set in contemporary Scotland, Rona Munro’s bristling, edgy translation is directed by John Tiffany and features 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 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. Five headstrong daughters cooped up in the family home in an emotionally charged atmosphere of bitter rivalry.

One of the most celebrated European dramas of the 20th century; the play was finished by Lorca shortly before he was executed during the Spanish Civil War. He 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 lines up a stunning cast of twelve Scottish women to bring this classic text thrillingly up to date.

Creative Team

John Tiffany              Director
Laura Hopkins          Designer
Paul Arditti                Sound Designer
Natasha Chivers        Lighting Designer

Contains strong language throughout and an age guide of 14+ is suggested

Siobhan Redmond leads a blisteringly good 12-strong ensemble