Back in 1936 General Franco’s soldiers murdered poet, playwright, and theatre director Federico GarcÄ‚Âa Lorca at the outset of the Spanish Civil War.
His body mysteriously disappeared and to this day no one knows where the remains are buried.
However, Lorca is considered Spain’s most important poet and dramatist of the 20th century and his work lives on.
His tragedy Blood Wedding, a translation by Caridad Svich, plays at the University of Alberta Timms Centre for the Arts until Saturday, April 5.
Blood Wedding is a poetic tale of a woman who marries a man she does not love. On her wedding night she leaves with another man. The doomed lovers are hunted and blood is spilled.
Lorca was inspired by a true story of Francisca, a woman promised to a labourer she did not love. She eloped with her cousin. But the bridegroom’s brother shot the cousin, and then beat Francisca leaving her near death. She survived the ambush but lived the rest of her life as a recluse.
“My background in the theatre is in Grotowksi-influenced physical training which focuses on extended imagery and physicality. A play like this, embedded in the realm of mythology and imagination lends itself beautifully to this work,” says director Kathleen Weiss.
St. Albert’s own Cristina Patalas of the BFA graduating class plays a supporting role in this poetic tale of star-crossed lovers.
Tickets range from $11 to $22. Call 780-420-1757 or go online at tixonthesquare.ca
Coincidentally MacEwan University musical theatre program is also borrowing a tale of love from a Mediterranean country.
The graduating class performs The Light in the Piazza, a musical that blooms under the Italian summer sun.
Last performed at Opera Nuova two years ago, The Light in Piazza sees an American mother and daughter touring the Tuscan countryside. Clara, the young and beautiful daughter, loses her hat in a gust of wind. It lands by Fabrizio and when he returns it, sparks fly.
As the story unfolds Clara is not what she first appears to be and her mother is fiercely protective of her. Should the secret be revealed?
Luc Tellier, winner of the 2014 Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Emerging Artist, is performing in the production while Jackie Pooke, a nominee at the award ceremony, created the choreography.
The production runs until Saturday, April 5 at the John L. Haar Theatre, Centre for the Arts and Communications, 10045 – 156 St. Tickets range from $16.75 to $25. Call 780-420-1757 or purchase online at tixonthesquare.ca.
Shadow Theatre is up to its antics with The Bard’s Best Bits, a wacky assortment of Big Bill’s scenes, songs, skits, soliloquies and spoofs.
It’s a one-night only event held tomorrow night at the Varscona Theatre, and it brings together 25 of the Capital Region’s superlative artists.
There’s a hefty number of artists linked to St. Albert that include Jason Hardwick, The Eleven O’Clock Number, Matt Alden, Jenna Dykes and Jenny McKillop.
Director John Hudson and playwright David Belke host this rollicking salute to one of the world’s greatest playwrights.
The Bard’s Best Bits starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 through tixonthesquare.ca or the theatre box office at 780-434-5564.
