MAD FOR LOVE
A contemporary reinterpretation of the 17th-century Spanish play La Dama Boba by Lope de Vega. Adapted and directed by Paula Rodriguez. BADA, London (2023)
Working from John Farndon's translation and title, our production weaves a new narrative incorporating fragments from the works of female writers of the same period, including Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Maria de Zayas, Santa Teresa de Jesús, and Ana Caro, as well as devised fragments written by the director of the show, Paula Rodriguez.
Set in 2023 London, the play unfolds in a meta and international context as a group of actors led by a Theatre-maker embark on a creative journey to reimagine a 1613 story set in Madrid. English is the main language, enriched by Tagalog and Spanish.
Mad for Love delves into the fluidity of Romantic love across centuries, examining its influence on gender roles and stereotypes. By contemplating the transformations in the concept of love since 400 years, an era where marriage was entwined with financial and class considerations, we pose a question to the audience: What does love mean in today's world?
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A medium-to-large scale production at the 200-seat Diorama Theatre, London, featuring a cast of 15 and a creative team of seven, including an assistant director, composer, lighting, set, and costume designers, and coaches for intimacy and fight. The piece combined live music with intricate lighting and atmospheric effects such as haze and smoke.
Directed and adapted by Paula Rodriguez; translated by John Farndon, Deputy Stage Manager: Tamsin Youngson; Musical Director: Arthur Astier; Movement Director: Juan Sánchez; Voice: John Tucker; Storytelling: Hepziba Roe; Production Manager: Simon Beyer; Production Assistant: Rebecca Natalini; Intimacy & Fight: Bethan Clark; Costume Supervisor: Caitlyn Keaney; Costume Assistant: Hannah Danson; Photography: Simon Annand. BADA London Theatre Program Fall 2023