"The House of Bernarda Alba" Staged Reading at Green Bay Community Theater

GBCT will be hosting a staged reading of "The House of Bernarda Alba" written by Federico Garcia Lorca, adapted in English by Emily Mann, and directed by Rochelle Van Erem on Saturday, March 9 at 4:00pm at the Robert Lee Brault Playhouse.

After the death of her husband, Bernarda Alba imposes a traditional mourning period of eight years on her household. Bernarda has always ruled her house with an iron fist and kept her five daughters on short chains. Now that she is the sole dictator, her daughters are left with no escape from her oppression. As the eldest daughter inherits, she attracts a suitor, which ignites jealousy and passion in her younger sisters. Each of them must cope with their mother’s violence, family secrets, and repressed desires. But when the youngest sister decides to break free at all costs, her actions threaten to destroy them all.

"The House of Bernarda Alba" was the last play Garcia Lorca wrote before being assassinated during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. This three-act tragedy was first performed in 1945 – eight years and nine months after it was written. There are multiple adaptations, and it has been produced many times in a variety of places, including theaters and television (BBC). Scholars often study this play, as the themes presented, such as isolation, grief, violence, passion, and a need for freedom, make it stand the test of time. Emily Mann's adaptation successfully captures the intent of the original work.

*Please note that this play may not be suitable for all audiences, as it contains descriptions of sexual assault and violence, use of weapons, and violent situations. Audience discretion is advised.

The performance will be followed by a talkback with Dr. Bradford Ellis, Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures, Saint Norbert College.

This event will have free general admission seating with an optional "pay what you wish" donation to the theater, made possible by a donation from the Green Bay Packers Foundation.