Yerma

A poignant tale of a woman's desperate longing for motherhood, Yerma explores themes of madness, societal pressure, and the consequences of unfulfilled desires.

In Yerma, Federico García Lorca presents the heart-wrenching story of a woman trapped in her own despair. Living in rural Spain with her husband, Yerma is consumed by an unrelenting desire to bear a child. This longing spirals into madness, ultimately leading her to commit a desperate and tragic act. The play explores themes of fertility, societal expectations, and the profound impact of unfulfilled dreams on the human psyche.

The narrative unfolds in a stark and poignant manner, highlighting Yerma's emotional turmoil and isolation. As she grapples with her inability to conceive, her relationship with her husband deteriorates, and the pressures of societal norms weigh heavily on her. Lorca's masterful use of language and symbolism adds depth to the character's plight, making her journey both compelling and heart-wrenching.

Originally performed in 1934, Yerma remains a powerful exploration of motherhood and the consequences of societal constraints. This edition, translated by Jo Clifford, is part of the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series and includes valuable insights such as an introduction, a chronology of Lorca's life, and suggestions for further reading. It serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of Lorca's work and its relevance to contemporary audiences.