11 December 2023
With the work of Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca a set text for students studying A Level Drama and Theatre Studies, a trip to the National Theatre’s current production of The House of Bernarda Alba was an opportunity not to be missed.
Isabella M, Drama Ribbon
Undaunted by the train strike on Wednesday 6 December, we travelled by minibus to London's South Bank, with Christmas music, singing and much laughter helping us on our way. It was a freezing cold evening in London, so we ran off to get cheese toasties (which were delicious, by the way) before taking our seats in the circle with eager anticipation for The House of Bernarda Alba to start.
Federico García Lorca was a poet and theatre director, as well as a playwright. He wrote Yerma, which is one of the plays we are studying on our A Level course. This production of The House of Bernarda Alba, adapted by Alice Birch, was visually stunning, with a fascinating set and a very unexpected end. The play reflects the political unrest that overshadowed Lorca’s writing, as well as themes relating to the mother-daughter relationship and toxic femininity. Watching it live gave us a greater understanding of the events and language used by Lorca and we really enjoyed the trip.