The Marlborough College Penny Reading was worthy of a much wider performance and on a wholly more professional level than school drama from my day. Rather than try and compete I enclose the review from David (far more eloquent than I!)
Jane Darbys production of The House of Bernarda Alba was as complex and intricate as the lace that adorned the poster.
The detailed characters of Lorcas last play collide and wrestle in the claustrophobic house of mourning presided over by the fanatic matriarch Bernarda played with startling clarity, passion and commitment by Molly Griffiths (CO U6). This was, however, not simply a tour de force vehicle for one exceptional actor but a series of detailed character studies that brought to life the five daughters in painful depth.
Ella Higgins (CO U6) Magdalena strutted and snarled to suppress a sordid past giving a heart wrenching image of a woman trying to cling on to life. Maeve Mahony (NC Hu) and Helena Bell (MM L6) wrestled over their love for the invisible Pepe with a religious fervor that seemed to have moved beyond obsession into something animalistic. Victoria Budges (MO U6) Angustias hobbled her way around the house struggling continually to avoid the inevitable fate of becoming her mother while Bernarda herself attempted to hold back the tide of madness powerfully portrayed by Rosie Richards (EL L6) Maria Josefa. Lizzy Wheelers (IH L6) fast paced and withering Amelia was captivating as she catapulted between each thought seeking approval from everyone. As with much of Lorcas poetry and earlier plays the working class connection with the land and nature is a tether that protectively binds as much as it oppresses. The suffocating visit from Flora Barings (MM L6) Prudencia was a wonderful reminder of the prying eyes and needling fingers ready and willing to throw the first stone. Tabitha Syretts (NC L6) Poncia provided an ever-watchful eye and beautifully portrayed a sense of tragic loss that had imprisoned her in service to the house. Equally as committed was Catherine Lineys (EL L6) younger maid who scuttled with such speed and precision around the house that she seemed to embody the crickets that constantly permeated the air.
This was an impressive production on every level from the finely tuned performances to the staggering detail of Paul Coxs set design. The heat and confinement was amplified by Tom Edwards lighting design and enhanced by Dale Armitages strict and unforgiving costumes. The production was impressively stage managed by Sujaan Punja (MO U6) and ably assisted by Keya Punja (MO Hu).
As Bernardas final command for ‘Silence!' was overtaken by wailing I felt as much a part of that house as the daughters themselves; a powerful mix of relentless tragedy, desire and duty.
David Kenworthy
Director of Drama
