Yerma

Synopsis

Yerma is a humble peasant woman, who longs for a child. In her village all her friends are raising families, but she remains childless. She tries to be light-hearted and believes that she and her husband will soon be blessed with a baby. As long as her condition, or lack of it, is temporary, she endures it and seeks to remedy it! Gradually Yerma's deep love for her husband turns to disbelief and then hate as she discovers he does not want a child. However, her own pride and honour forbid her to take pleasure or revenge with another man. Overcome with desire and frustration Yerma is driven to the ultimate crime of passion....

Our Review:

3 October 2005

This tragedy by Lorca has been little-performed in this country, at least compared with his other tragedies: Blood Wedding and Bernarda Alba. It’s hard to say why, there’s a simplicity about the play that’s appealing and the theme of childlessness is particularly topical.

Above all in Yerma, there’s a reminder that Lorca was a poet first. The use of verse and song to illustrate the action gives the play some potency; a reminder that even the loveliest and innocent of folk songs can hide some darker truths.

In one respect, it’s a strange choice for a production; the tiny Jermyn Street venue sometimes seems overwhelmed by actors as the cast of 19 jostle for position. But this does reflect the rather claustrophobic atmosphere of a village where everyone knows everyone’s business and, besides, the multitude of female parts makes it a good choice for any company with a preponderance of actresses.

Director Diana Hillier captures the ...

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