Sahne-ye Abi Presents Captivating Reading Performance of ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’

Experience the powerful reading performance of Federico Garcia Lorca’s renowned play, “The House of Bernarda Alba,” at the Sahne-ye Abi Cultural and Artistic Center in Tehran this Saturday. Directed by Mahbod Qana’at Pisheh, this captivating event promises to bring the gripping tale of oppression and familial conflict to life.

The cast features talented artists including Elaheh Lashkari, Saranaz Amirzadeh, Fahimeh Fallahi, and Katayoun Cheshmi. This reading performance of Lorca’s three-act tragedy, first published in 1936, explores the profound themes of repression and the search for identity within a suffocating household.

“The House of Bernarda Alba,” originally titled “La Casa de Bernarda Alba: drama de mujeres en los pueblos de España,” is the third play in Lorca’s dramatic trilogy, which also includes “Blood Wedding” and “Yerma.” The play first hit the stage in Buenos Aires in 1945, captivating audiences with its intense emotional depth and societal commentary.

This compelling narrative revolves around the life of Bernarda Alba, a controlling matriarch who imposes a strict mourning period on her five daughters following the death of her second husband. The play delves into the consequences of her oppressive rules, which lead to isolation and tension among the daughters: Angustias, Magdalena, Amelia, Martirio, and Adela.

• Angustias inherits a significant fortune, attracting the attention of Pepe el Romano, igniting jealousy among her sisters.
• Adela, the youngest daughter, yearns for freedom and defies her mother’s mourning attire by wearing a vibrant green gown.
• The sisters grapple with their desires and emotions, particularly as the looming prospect of Angustias’s marriage to Pepe intensifies family tensions.

As the story progresses, the household’s dynamics become increasingly strained. Adela’s vibrant spirit faces challenges as she learns of Angustias’s engagement to Pepe. The family’s maid, Poncia, subtly suggests that Angustias may not survive childbirth, hinting at the possibility for Adela to act on her desires.

When the sisters catch a glimpse of Pepe, the anticipation and tension within the household rise. Adela finds herself torn between her love for Pepe and her loyalty to her family. The emotional volatility escalates when Bernarda discovers Angustias wearing makeup, a violation of her strict mourning rules. In a fit of rage, she forces Angustias to remove the makeup, showcasing her tyrannical control.

The play also introduces Maria Josefa, Bernarda’s elderly mother, who longs for freedom and warns Bernarda about the destructive nature of her oppressive rule. Adela and Pepe’s secret romance serves as a stark contrast to the family’s rigid moral code, further amplifying tensions among the sisters, particularly with Martirio, who harbors her own feelings for Pepe.

• The family’s atmosphere becomes charged with jealousy, resentment, and desperation.
• Gossip about local women punished for societal transgressions deepens their collective dread.

As the narrative hurtles toward its tragic climax, Bernarda’s refusal to acknowledge her daughters’ emotional struggles leads to a violent confrontation. The play reaches a heart-wrenching moment when a gunshot is heard outside, initially believed to be Pepe’s death at Bernarda’s command. In a tragic twist, Adela, believing Pepe to be dead, takes her own life, unaware that he has survived.

In the aftermath of Adela’s tragic demise, Bernarda reveals her obsession with the family’s reputation. She insists that Adela died a virgin, reflecting her rigid moral beliefs. Bernarda orders her remaining daughters to mourn in private, refusing to acknowledge the true nature of their struggles or the consequences of her oppressive rule.

The play concludes with a haunting reminder of the devastating impact of tyranny and societal expectations on personal freedom and emotional connections. “The House of Bernarda Alba” remains a significant work that resonates with contemporary audiences, showcasing the timeless struggle for identity and liberation in the face of oppression.

Join us at the Sahne-ye Abi Cultural and Artistic Center this Saturday to witness this powerful performance that highlights the emotional turmoil and societal challenges faced by women in Lorca’s poignant storytelling.