“The House of Bernarda Alba is easily one of the most powerful and moving plays we’ve seen in quite a while – both in dramatic content and execution – and in the hands of the Wild Rice creative team, this 78-year-old play has been vividly brought to life once again in manner which is both relatable and frightfully relevant to a Singapore audience today.” – Buttons in the Bread
An Explosive Tale of Suppressed Desires and Jealousies.
One matriarch. Five daughters. Eight years of mourning.
To keep up appearances after the death of her husband, tyrannical mother Bernarda resolves to seal her family off from the world – a decision that effectively compels her five daughters to give up love and happiness for lives of duty and obligation. Within the oppressive confines of the Alba household, tensions swirl and emotions run high. The arrival of a seductive suitor lays bare the bitter rivalries and repressed sexuality that lie at the twisted, tragic heart of Bernarda’s family.
The House Of Bernarda Alba is a masterpiece of modern European theatre. It is the final – and possibly finest – play written by Spanish playwright Federico GarcĂa Lorca, completed shortly before he was murdered by Nationalist sympathisers in 1936.
Deftly transposed into Singapore’s rigid, rule-bound Peranakan community, W!LD RICE’s electrifying production of Lorca’s classic play features three generations of Singapore’s best actresses on one stage. Together with celebrated director Glen Goei, they bring to life an internationally-acclaimed adaptation by Singaporean playwright Chay Yew (Porcelain, A Language Of Their Own). Designing The House of Bernarda Alba are Wong Chee Wai (sets), James Tan (lighting) and Ivan Heng (costumes).
For touring information, please contact production@wildrice.com.sg.
