The House of Bernarda Alba — Gesher Theater

• The production uses stage props imitating a cigarette.

A story about freedom that begins within the walls of one’s own home, and about those who dare to look beyond them and dream of a different life. Federico García Lorca’s play, staged by the Gesher Theatre.

After her husband’s death, Bernarda declares eight years of mourning and locks her five daughters inside the house. Under the pretext of upholding morality, preserving honor, and maintaining family unity, the home meant to protect them becomes a prison. Cruelty is presented as order, and suppression as an attempt to shield them from the dangers of the outside world. But not all the daughters are willing to accept such a fate obediently.

Federico García Lorca was considered dangerous to the regime because of his liberal views, criticism of the authorities, and homosexuality. The play The House of Bernarda Alba was written in 1936. Two months later, Lorca was executed by firing squad, and the location of his grave remains unknown to this day.

The play was first staged only in 1945 and has since become a classic of world drama.

Cast: Efrat Ben-Zur, Michal Weinberg / Irit Benedek, Tali Osadchi, Karin Seruya / Carmel Kendal, Nicole Podvalny, Ofir Tsvaygenboym, Noa Carmi, Lilian Sheli Roth.