MAD FOR LOVE premiered at the New Diorama Theatre, London in December 2023. This production, based on La Dama Boba by Lope de Vega, translated by John Farndon and adapted and directed by Paula Rodríguez, showcased the work of students from BADA’s fall 2023 undergraduate
The music was originally composed by Arthur Astier and the movement was directed by Juan Sanchez Plaza, Photographs (C) Simmon Annan, courtesy of BADA.
MAD FOR LOVE is a contemporary reinterpretation of the 17th-century Spanish play La Dama Boba by Lope de Vega. Working from Johns 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 Ines 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.
A mother and two daughters: Otavia fervently orchestrates the marriage of Nise and Finea by organizing a party for potential suitors. The sisters navigate these encounters on their terms, often diverging from other characters' expectations. The piece serves as a celebration of women and their voices, exploring themes of learning and growth, prompting reflection on how we, as a collective, can evolve together.
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 ago; 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?
