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Uncover the Captivating World of Lorcas House Of Bernarda Alba: A Timeless Masterpiece

Keith Cox

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Published in The House Of Bernarda Alba (NHB Classic Plays) (Nick Hern Books)

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Federico Garcia Lorca's House of Bernarda Alba is a timeless masterpiece of Spanish theater that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Set in a secluded rural village in Andalusia, the play delves into the oppressive world of Bernarda Alba, a widowed matriarch who rules her household with an iron fist.

The House of Bernarda Alba (NHB Classic Plays) (Nick Hern Books)

by Michel Tremblay

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	759 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages

A House Divided

Bernarda's household is a microcosm of the repressive society in which it exists. After the death of her second husband, Bernarda imposes a strict mourning period of eight years on her five daughters: Angustias, Magdalena, Amelia, Martirio, and Adela. The daughters are forbidden from leaving the house or having any contact with the outside world.

As the play progresses, the tensions within the house mount. The daughters chafe under Bernarda's suffocating rules, and they begin to rebel in subtle ways. Angustias, the eldest daughter, is engaged to Pepe el Romano, a wealthy landowner. But Adela, the youngest and most rebellious daughter, is secretly in love with Pepe.

The Power of Desire

Desire is a powerful force in House of Bernarda Alba. The daughters are forbidden from expressing their desires, but they find ways to do so in secret. Adela and Pepe meet in the stables, and they share stolen moments of passion. Magdalena and Martirio are secretly in love with each other, but they are afraid to express their feelings.

Bernarda's repression of her daughters' desires only serves to make them more intense. The daughters become increasingly desperate, and they are willing to risk everything to be with the people they love.

The Consequences of Repression

The tragic climax of House of Bernarda Alba is a testament to the destructive consequences of repression. Adela, unable to bear the thought of her sisters marrying Pepe, kills him. Bernarda, upon discovering her daughter's crime, disowns Adela and locks her in her room.

The play ends with Bernarda's daughters mourning Adela's death. They sing a haunting lament, expressing their grief and their desire for freedom. House of Bernarda Alba is a powerful and moving play that explores the dark side of human nature. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The House Of Bernarda Alba: A Must-Read for Theater Lovers

If you are a lover of theater, then House of Bernarda Alba is a must-read. This classic play is a powerful and moving exploration of the themes of repression, desire, and societal expectations. It is a play that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

You can Free Download your copy of House of Bernarda Alba today from Nick Hern Books.

The House Of Bernarda Alba By Federico Garcia Lorca The House Of Bernarda Alba (NHB Classic Plays) (Nick Hern Books)