Heartwood Heats Up with “The House of Bernarda Alba”

It’s live. It’s intense. And it’s brimming with artistry. Heartwood Regional Theater Company opens “The House of Bernarda Alba,” written by Federico Garcia Lorca and adapted by Emily Mann, on July 20th in the newly air conditioned Parker Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy, Newcastle. Juanito Pascual, acclaimed as one of the top young flamenco guitarists on the international music scene, improvises original musical throughout, electrifying an already charged performance by an engaging female ensemble of ten.

If you’re looking for serious summer theater, this is your stop. All of the elements are here, and it begins with the classic script of Lorca, written in the 1930’s, rural Spain. A surprising set of stucco, wood and tile mirrors the play as a crisp, compelling and confining space in which these actresses deliver their tragedy. The lighting is warm, and the evocative strains of flamenco guitar music are sensitively in tune with the pulse of each scene. Truly, there is something for all of the senses.

A formidable force of power and will, Bernarda Alba rules her five restless, passionate, competitive daughters, who are hopelessly imprisoned in a world of lifeless household routines and oppressive tradition. The tightly woven lives in this suffocating world of women are laced with seething jealousies, fear, and suppressed desire. Into this fiery mix enters Pepe Romano … and the results are perfectly tragic.

Written in 1936 just before the Spanish Civil War, “The House of Bernarda Alba” is truly a play for all times, exploring eternal themes of desire, authoritarianism, prejudice, tradition, and tragedy.

“The House of Bernarda Alba” is supported by season sponsor Bath Savings Institution and show sponsor Newcastle Publick House. For a complete evening of Midcoast delights, join one of several local restaurants supporting live theater performance and education at Heartwood this season: the Newcastle Publick House, Damariscotta River Grill, King Eider’s Pub, Rising Tide Community Market, and Salt Bay Café.

Ninety minute performances will run for two weekends only in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy. Evening performances beginning at 7:30 will show July 20, 21, 26, 27, & 28, with a final 3:00 matinee Sunday, July 29. Seating is general, though special arrangements may be made at the time of reservation. Tickets are $12/students and $18/adults. Reservations are strongly suggested and may be obtained by phoning 207.563.1373 or emailing boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org. For pre-production photos and further details, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org. Produced by special permission with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.