Annatheater in Helmond stages ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’

The Annatheater in Helmond is staging a production of ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’, based on the work of Spanish writer Federico García Lorca. The play runs from October 3 to October 11.

Set in 1930s Spain, the story follows Bernarda Alba, a widow who maintains strict control over her five daughters to protect the family reputation. Tensions escalate within the household when the eldest daughter becomes engaged, sparking jealousy and rivalry among the sisters as they struggle for freedom against their mother’s rigid rules.

Seventeen-year-old Meis Meulendijks, who previously played the lead in ‘As You Like It’, portrays Martirio, the second youngest daughter. Meulendijks describes the character as insecure and jealous, noting that the play’s themes of gender inequality and women’s rights remain highly relevant today.