By Vivien S, Year 13

On Thursday 23rd November, the A level Spanish students went to see The House of Bernarda Alba at the National Theatre, an adaptation of Federico García Lorca’s play directed by Rebecca Frecknall.

The play follows Bernarda Alba and her five daughters in Andalusia, Spain. The play was set so that all rooms of the house could be viewed, allowing the audience to see parts of the play that are not usually visible. This offered a deeper insight into the characters and their motivations, allowing a deeper connection between the characters and the audience. Led by an exceptional cast, the portrayal of each character was hauntingly authentic. The exchanges between the characters were filled with raw emotions, conveying the deep-seated resentments, desires, and the intricate power dynamics within the household. The play was in English, making it more accessible to those interested. Moreover, the script remained highly faithful to Lorca’s original version despite some changes. The play was two hours in length yet remained engaging throughout.  An aspect that I thoroughly enjoyed was the use of sound and dance as it accentuated the already thrilling storyline.

I would strongly recommend this play to both those already familiar with the play and those who aren’t. It was a fantastic experience as the exquisite set design and the exceptional acting combined to create a theatrical experience that lingered in the minds of the audience long after the final curtain call.