• Overview
• Staging information
• Translations
• Sample translations
• Production history

Scene

The play is divided into three acts, with two scenes in each. As John Edmunds notes, it is difficult to establish a definitive timeframe for the action: ‘Various overt references establish the corrosion of Yerma’s marriage and spirit as taking place over years. Yet the vague treatment of the intervening periods suggests something more instant and more calamitous’ (Lorca 1997: xxxii).

• García Lorca, Federico. 1997. Yerma. In Federico García Lorca: Four Major Plays, trans. John Edmunds. Oxford, Oxford University Press

(less)

The play is divided into three acts, with two scenes in each. As John Edmunds notes, it is difficult to establish a definitive timeframe for the action: ‘Various overt references establ... (Read more...)

Staging

The play is set in a number of different locations. It begins in Yerma’s house, then moves out into the fields and olive groves. There are scenes beside a riverbed as well as at a pilgrim shrine.

Music

The play is filled with folk songs about love, sex and fertility.

Cast number

Minimum	Maximum
4 males	10 males
11 females	20 females
15 (total)	30 (total)

Cast information

The cast number varies greatly depending on production.

Characters

• YERMA
• MARIA
• JUAN
• VICTOR
• OLD PAGAN WOMAN
• DOLORES
• WASHER WOMAN 1
• WASHER WOMAN 2
• WASHER WOMAN 3
• WASHER WOMAN 4
• WASHER WOMAN 5
• WASHER WOMAN 6
• GIRL 1
• GIRL 2
• FEMALE MASKED DANCER
• MALE MASKED DANCER
• SISTER-IN-LAW 1
• SISTER-IN-LAW 2
• WOMAN 1
• WOMAN 2
• CHILD
• MAN 1
• MAN 2
• MAN 3
• SHEPHERD
• PILGRIMS
• LITTLE BOY

Entry written by Gwynneth Dowling. Last updated on 6 April 2011.

Post a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment. Please log in or sign up for a free account.