By Chris V, Year 12

On the seventh of December the Sixth Form drama cohort went to see the National Theatre’s “House of Bernarda Alba.”

The experience of watching this modern adaptation of Lorca’s play could only be described as bone chilling and shocking but simultaneously mesmerising.

From the moment the safety curtain was lifted I was taken aback by the detailed, intricate but most importantly massive set the National had created. The audience got a doll’s house view of Bernarda’s entire home, looming over us and allowing us to have a literal insight into her daughter’s lives. As someone who didn’t know the plot, I found the story to be captivating, and the actresses on stage did a phenomenal job engrossing the audience and making them forget the world around them and where they were. The chorus movements were mesmerising and very impressive, as the actresses worked and moved in complete harmony with one another. I was personally most impressed by the soundtrack and music which accompanied the scenes, as it built a feeling which I could only describe as extreme anticipation, and it caused literal goosebumps at multiple points. We all laughed at the grandma’s comical escape plans, smiled at Adela’s innocence (at the beginning at least) and gasped at Pepe “el Romano’s” moving slow mo dancing piece. Mostly however, we were shocked by Bernarda’s actions and language towards her daughters, with a stunning performance by Harriet Walter who has become everyone’s new idol.

I think I speak on behalf of every audience member when I say that I highly recommend watching this play whilst it is running, you won’t regret it!