Caxton Theatre

This is a brilliant ensemble play about 9+ women, ranging in ages from 20 - 80 years.  Actors of all ages and genders are very welcome to audition. All the wonderful roles will be played and presented as female.  Actual age is not so important as a convincing balance between the cast and capturing individual characteristics such as vitality, passion, desperation, coldness or jealousy.

Cast

Bernarda Alba - A widow, a tyrant, judgemental, violent, cruel, proud.  'She could sit on your heart and watch you die for a whole year.'

Her daughters in descending age:

Angustias - The oldest, a half sister. Almost past it. 'Would die in childbirth'. Has money. Cold, anguished. Engaged to Pepe El Romano.

Magdalena - The only one her father loved. 'I know I'm not going to get married, we rot away'. Wants Adela to be happy. Tired. Despairing.

Martirio - A hunchback martyr. 'God made me weak and ugly.' Jealous. 'My heart is full of something vicious!' In love with Pepe El Romano.

Amelia - Next to youngest. Close to Martirio, they always 'have their heads together'. Gentle. Fearful. Embarrassed by men and sex.

Adela - The youngest. Passionate. Rebellious. 'I don't want my body to dry up!' Defies her mother. 'I had strength, looks - and courage!' In love with Pepe El Romano. 'I will be what he wants me to be.'

Bernarda's mother Maria-Josefa - aged, demented, poetic. Locked up by Bernarda. 'I want a man so I can get married and be happy!'

Poncia - Housekeeper. Humorous, wise, bawdy, the heart of the household. Hates Bernarda, but is still a servant - 'a good bitch'.

Servant Woman - Scared of Bernarda, critical of her daughters: 'They are wicked.' Poncia: They are women without men, that's all.'

Also Prudencia, Beggar Woman and Women Mourners. Very short but important roles that could possibly be combined with Stage Management duties or undertaken as an introduction to acting

The commitment is to 12 weeks rehearsal. Any
days lost over Christmas and New Year will be
made up later.