Theatre Review

All-female cast shines in Epic's 'The House of Bernarda Alba'

By DON FOWLER
Posted 1/16/19

Theatre Review By DON FOWLER In both the cinema and the theatre, there is a trend to discover stories for, about and by women. Kevin Broccoli has opened Epic Theatre's 2019 season with a serious, tense production of Spanish playwright Federico Garcia

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Theatre Review

All-female cast shines in Epic's 'The House of Bernarda Alba'

Posted

In both the cinema and the theatre, there is a trend to discover stories for, about and by women.

Kevin Broccoli has opened Epic Theatre’s 2019 season with a serious, tense production of Spanish playwright Federico Garcia Lorca’s “The House of Bernarda Alba,” adapted by Emily Mann and directed by Carol Schlink.

Michelle Walker plays the domineering mother of five grown daughters, completely controlling their lives and ordering them into eight years of mourning for their deceased father.

The one-act hour-long play is tightly written and filled with tension, both sexual and psychological. Bernarda carries a big stick, or cane, and a threatening demeanor as she barks out her orders and referees spats among her daughters.

Paula Faber gives a strong performance as her personal caregiver/maid/companion of 30 years. Bernarda makes their relationship clear when she meddles too close: “You serve me; I pay you.”

You may take the play at face value or read into Lorca’s views on the suppression of women and the power that society has over them. The slim plot revolves around one of the sister’s suitors, Pepe, a rogue of a man who you can picture in your mind but never see. Jealousies prevail among the other sisters, enhanced by rumors, lies, secrets and squabbles consistently surfacing among them.

The acting is strong, with 10 excellent actors all holding their own and led by Walker and Faber.

The powerful ending sums up the tragic tale of the struggles that many women face. Although these women are from a different time, place and culture, you can still relate to them.

“The House of Bernarda Alba” is at Epic Theatre’s Artist Exchange space, 82 Rolfe St., Cranston, through January 29. Go to artists-exchange.org or Epic Theatre for more information.

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