UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Centre Stage will produce “Bernarda Alba,” with words and music by Michael John LaChiusa, and directed and choreographed by Christopher Campbell, April 11–14 at the Penn State Downtown Theatre.

In a small village in rural Spain, the freshly widowed Bernarda imposes a stringent mourning period on her household. However, Bernarda’s five daughters struggle with her cold regime as their dreams, desires and the lure of the outside world begin to permeate their isolated existence. 

Student dramaturg Arushi Grover wrote, "We enter 'Bernarda Alba’s' world of intolerable, invigorating heat, fueled by hot blood and feverish dreams. The women of this story are in sweltering conditions, yearning for the cool rush of a running passion — something to quench their thirst and something that their sisters also covet. We must ask: When confronted with an overpowering river, do you get swept away? Or are you allowing yourself to drown in its current?"  

All performances $20; students $15. For additional show information, visit the Penn State Centre Stage website. Non-Penn State arts and architecture students can see it for free by visiting this link.