The House of Bernarda Alba

by Federico Garcia Lorca, translation by Jo Clifford | Directed by Sabrina Poole
9–11, 15-18 October 2025

“If you are a woman, you are punished just by being born.”

Bernarda Alba’s husband is dead. Now she and her daughters must complete eight years of mourning. Confined physically and emotionally, they must spend their days in regimented fashion. But trapped within the walls, buried tensions and secret desires fight their way to the surface and even the strongest of locks cannot hold back the tragedy beating at the doors.

The last of Lorca’s classics, written only months before his murder, is a disturbingly relevant story of the shattering effects of emotional repression.

Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts Photography

"Another great achievement for the Sewell Barn Company. You all pulled off a powerful performance of a demanding piece of theatre and credit should go to the Sewell Barn Company for pushing the boundaries and being unpredictable in their choice of productions. One of the most impressive aspects of the performance is the way in which you all manage to create an atmosphere of tension in a small space with a simple set. You all do this through your engagement with your characters and the relationships you build with one another. It’s tight, gripping and moody. The simplicity of the production contrasts with the depth of meaning in the play. I liked the use of the table as the centrepiece (and the way it was lit) and the choreographed table-setting worked well, symbolically and as an interlude. Well done to you all! I thoroughly enjoyed it." Denise

"Sally Krykant is a devastating force as the tyrannical matriarch, Bernarda, who dominates the stage every time she enters.... The most nuanced and compelling performance of the evening comes from Jan Farrar as the long-serving housekeeper, Poncia. Farrar brings great range to this pivotal character... This is an excellent production that powerfully stages the inevitable explosion of repression and generational trauma. It is a compelling play - and the irony that even without a single man on stage, the consequences of the patriarch still claims the final, painful victory." April Nash, East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]

"...very good theatre and created a sense of claustrophobia. How small worlds can oppress. Visually impactful. Do go." Jonathan

"With an all female cast, this is a superb and beautifully written play exploring themes of repression, passion, conformity and the effects of men upon women. Wonderful set, staging and direction by Sabrina Poole and some fine performances made for a great evening of theatre!" Alison

"Lorca's The House of Bernarda Alba is a stark, cruel play depicting the repressed lives of rural Spanish women only one hundred years ago. This is evident as soon as you enter the Sewell Barn Theatre space - white walls and furniture contrast with the black costumes of the women as they exist from day to day. This group of actors works brilliantly together, building the hatred and the fear throughout.  The whole production is tightly directed by Sabrina Poole who also created the fantastic technical effects - lighting, projections and sound all working to enhance the atmosphere." Clare Williamson, FOH Manager and previous Artistic Director