The House Of Bernarda Alba - ART DALA Studio

Director’s Note – Minoo Nobahari

In choosing The House of Bernarda Alba, I was drawn to its timeless exploration of repression, desire, and the human need for freedom. Lorca’s words echo across generations, revealing the struggles of silence and the courage it takes to break it. This play is not only a story rooted in a specific time and place, but also a mirror reflecting the realities that still shape our lives today.

Through this production, my hope is to give voice to the silenced, to honor the resilience of women, and to spark conversations that transcend borders and cultures. Theater has the power to awaken empathy and ignite change and it is with this belief that I bring Lorca’s masterpiece to the stage.

About The House of Bernarda Alba

The House of Bernarda Alba is one of the most celebrated works of Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca, written in 1936 shortly before his tragic death. The play is a profound exploration of repression, authority, and the struggle for freedom within a rigid, patriarchal society. Set in a small Andalusian village, it portrays the life of Bernarda Alba and her five daughters, who live under strict control and suffocating traditions. Through powerful dialogue and symbolism, Lorca masterfully reveals the tensions between desire, duty, and societal expectation.

About Federico García Lorca

Federico García Lorca (1898–1936) is regarded as one of Spain’s greatest poets and playwrights of the 20th century. Known for his lyrical style and deep human insight, his works often reflect themes of love, oppression, and social justice. Lorca was not only a literary figure but also a cultural icon whose voice was silenced during the Spanish Civil War. Despite his short life, his legacy endures worldwide, and his plays—especially The House of Bernarda Alba—continue to inspire audiences and theatre-makers with their timeless relevance and emotional depth.

The House Of Bernarda Alba Cast

Bernarda Alba

A domineering widow who imposes strict rules of silence and repression on her household. Bernarda embodies authority, control, and tradition, turning her home into a prison of fear and obedience.

Angustias

The eldest daughter, wealthy from her inheritance yet trapped in duty rather than passion. She represents resignation, pursuing marriage not for love but as her only escape from confinement.

Magdalena

A deeply sensitive daughter burdened by grief and despair. Magdalena mourns the loss of freedom and possibility, embodying quiet suffering and the silent sacrifice demanded of women.

Amelia

The gentle and quiet daughter who often remains in the background. Amelia symbolizes submission and the overlooked presence of women whose desires are silenced by tradition and fear.

Martirio

A complex daughter torn by jealousy, bitterness, and repressed longing. Martirio embodies inner conflict, as her secret desires collide with her fear of disgrace and her mother’s authority.

Adela

The youngest daughter, full of vitality and defiance. Adela symbolizes the pursuit of love and freedom, courageously resisting repression even at great personal cost. She is the spirit of rebellion.

La Poncia

The outspoken housekeeper, both loyal and critical. La Poncia provides sharp commentary on the family’s struggles, serving as both confidante and critic of Bernarda’s oppressive rule.

María Josefa

The eccentric grandmother, dismissed as mad, yet her voice speaks truth. María Josefa dreams of love, freedom, and escape, becoming the symbolic conscience of the household.

The Servant

A humble servant in Bernarda’s house who witnesses both cruelty and hypocrisy. Her role highlights the social hierarchy, exposing how even those with little power still carry vital truths.