The House of Bernarda Alba

This theatrical production uses cigarette-like props.

The play tells of a desire for freedom that arises within one’s own home, and of those who dare to dream of a life beyond its walls. This work by Federico García Lorca is presented by the Gesher Theatre.

Following her husband’s death, Bernarda imposes an eight-year mourning period and shuts her five daughters inside the house. Under the guise of moralism, preserving honor, and maintaining family unity, the home that was meant to be their refuge becomes a prison. Cruelty is presented as order, while oppression is disguised as concern for protecting them from external threats. However, not all the daughters are willing to accept such a fate.

Federico García Lorca was deemed dangerous to the regime because of his liberal views, his critical attitude toward the authorities, and his homosexuality. His play The House of Bernarda Alba was written in 1936. Two months after writing it, Lorca was murdered, and the location of his burial remains unknown to this day. The play was first staged only in 1945, and over time it became a classic of world drama.

The cast includes: Efrat Ben-Zur, Michal Weinberg or Irit Benedek, Tali Osadchi, Karin Seruya or Carmel Kendal, Nicole Podvalny, Ofir Zweigenboim, Noa Karmi, and Lilian Sheli Roth.