Bernarda Alba portrays oppression of women

0 comments, 17/11/2011, by , in Entertainment

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 By Rebeca Cazares

 

Karla Olivas (Mujer 3,4) and Yasmin Castro (Poncia) practice a scene for “La Casa de Bernarda Alba” Thursday in the Tartan Theatre. “Acting is one way to let my feelings show. This is why I like acting,” Castro said. – Maria Enriquez

 

 

“La Casa De Bernarda Alba,” Tartan Theatre Troupe’s fall play, depicts the lives of Bernarda and her five daughters mourning the recent passing of Bernarda’s husband.

The opening night for the play is at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 . The show also is at 7 p.m. Oct. 7, with the final showing at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8 in the Tartan Theatre.

Ticket prices will be $3 general admission and $2 for students.

“La Casa de Bernarda Alba” is directed by Pablo Jasso, director of Bel Air’s Theater. The show will feature Spanish teachers Rosalia Rodriguez who plays Bernarda and Maria Dadras who plays Maria Josefa, Bernard’s mother, alongside the student cast.

Both teachers are excited about participating in and portraying their characters since they feel a connection between themselves and the their characters. Even Rodriguez’s children have mentioned the similarities the connection between her and her character.

“When my own children knew that I would characterize Bernarda de Alba, they told me, “It is the right role for you. You are like her.” I consider that I am conservative and strict woman, but not like Bernarda, and also I am younger than her,” Rodriguez said.

Choosing the cast wasn’t the issue, instead it was that the whole show is being done in Spanish, which proved to be an interesting challenge for the director.

“It was extremely difficult. I think this is the shortest but most difficult play I’ve ever directed,” Jasso said.

Along with the obstacles of doing a Spanish speaking play, the cast has been doing daily after school rehearsals. The rehearsals, though, take time and have proven to be challenging especially for Rodriguez.

“It’s not easy.The play requires an extra effort, time to practice after school, and memorize the dialogue,” Rodriguez said.

Although the play features a family, Yasmin Castro, who plays Poncia (the housekeeper) in the show, doesn’t consider it to be a family play because of strong language and strong scenes.

“I think high school students and above would be interested in this play, because it is a serious play,” Castro said.

The play deals with serious issues such as the oppression of women, and feelings of being trapped and useless.

“Unfortunately, we may still see this situation, especially among Hispanic families. I believe that this is sad because women, young or old, are free. They deserve to enjoy their lives and be happy. Of course I reject Bernarda’s behavior. As mother we do not have the right to control our children’s lives. As a mother I wish the best for my children,”  Rodriguez said.

 

Dadas agreed.

“Women should be able to live and decide what they want to do with their life,” Dadras said.

The play’s ultimate goal though is not only to make women realize the relevance and commonness of sexism, but also to attract the interests of all the Spanish speakers of the community.

“Our intent is to get every Spanish speaker or bilingual person to come and see this play,” Jasso said. “We want everyone who can to come and watch.”

 

Cast

Rosalia Rodriguez- Bernarda

Maria Dadras- Maria Josefa

Korina Fonseca- Mendiga, Mujer 1 y 2

Itzel Trejo- Amelia

Bridgette Martinez- Adela

Nancy Esparza- Magdalena

Aimme Lopez- Martirio

Karla Olivas- Mujer 3,4 y Muchacha

Amayeli Arnal- Angustias

Yasmin Castro- La Poncia

 

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