Dear Audience,
Welcome to the modern reinterpretation of Federico García Lorca’s “The House of Bernarda Alba,” a cornerstone of Spanish drama. This play is a powerful exploration of repression, authority, and the quest for freedom. In adapting this timeless work to our contemporary context, we felt it was important to highlight the relevance of Lorca’s original themes while inviting you to experience the story through a new lens.
Lorca’s original play presents a critique of societal constraints and the impact of oppressive leadership. Our modern retelling seeks to echo these themes with a fresh perspective, examining how the dynamics of control, desire, and rebellion resonate in today's world. ¡Bernarda! takes these ideas and adds a new spin to the story: surveillance & technology. In a world that has quickened our day to days through rapid feedback and instant gratification, our reliance on technology has grown immensely since Lorca’s day. Bernarda uses this to her advantage, as we deepen themes of control, oppression, and leadership with an ever-watchful eye. The lack of an intermission keeps us in the home with this family at all times, deepening our relationship with them. It’s our intention that even in its most extreme moments, ¡Bernarda! tells the story of the matriarch and her female driven family, and that our gente still finds the story and characters relatable.
I am immensely grateful to the creative team whose talent and dedication have brought this vision to life. To our set designer, who has crafted a stunningly sharp environment that bridges the past and present; to our costume designer, whose work brings the family into a futuristic world where fashion is bold and creative; and to our lighting/projection and sound designers, whose contributions have been integral in creating the atmosphere and mood essential to the style of this new production.
To our remarkable cast, your commitment and passion are the heart of this production. Each of you has approached your role with incredible depth and sensitivity, breathing new life into Lorca’s characters. Your ability to convey the emotional landscape of the play is both inspiring and moving. It has been an honor to work with such a talented group of performers, many of them I’ve had the pleasure of working with before. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to enter into this sacred space from my perspectives and my truths, and collaborating with me on this journey to an effective story.
Finally, to our audience, thank you for joining us. We hope this modern retelling sparks reflection and conversation about the themes that Lorca so masterfully addressed in his time, and that it resonates with you in meaningful ways. Your presence and engagement are what make this experience worthwhile for all of us.
Sincerely,
Larry Martinez Jr.
Director
