The National Theatre's new production of The House of Bernarda Alba begins at the London venue November 16 ahead of a November 28 opening night in the company's Lyttelton Theatre. Federico García Lorca’s 1945 play has been newly adapted by Alice Birch (Conversations With Friends) for this revival, staged by Rebecca Frecknall (Cabaret). The run will continue through January 6, 2024.
The cast is led by Harriet Walter (Succession) in the title role with Isis Hainsworth (Romeo & Juliet) as Adela, Rosalind Eleazar (Slow Horses) as Angustias, and Thusitha Jayasundera (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) as Poncia. They're joined by Lizzie Annis as Martirio, Pearl Chanda as Magdalena, Bryony Hannah as Maid, Marcia Lecky as Prudencia, Eileen Nicholas as Maria Josefa, and Eliot Salt as Ameila. Esma Akar, Livia Court, and Sicily Rose De Bernardini share the role of Young Girl, with Catharine Humphrys, Asha Kingsley, Celia Nelson, Ellouise Shakespeare-Hart, Georgia Silver, Imogen Mackie Walker, Charlotte Workman, James McHugh, and Michael Naylor rounding out the company. Casting is by Alastair Coomer and Naomi Downham.
The story follows five daughters forced to live under the tight control of their mother following the death of their father. Tensions mount when one daughter defies all odds and gets a chance to break free.
The new production features set and costume design by Merle Hensel, lighting design by Lee Curran, and an original score by Isobel Waller-Bridge. Ingrid Mackinnon is serving as intimacy coordinator, and Owain Gwynn is fight director.
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