A choice between love and duty

On March 3, in a small theater where the front row nearly crosses the threshold of the stage, the audience experienced an intimate and emotional journey about love and choice.

At the BYU Margetts theatre, the BYU department of theater and media arts presented a thrilling production of “Blood Wedding” by Federico Garcia Lorca.

“Federico Garcia Lorca’s work is considered some of the best in Spanish theater. The “Blood Wedding” is the one he’s known for the most. [In] the theater world, Lorca is someone you do,” said Rodger Sorensen, department chair and director of the production.

When purchasing tickets for this event, the venue asked that children under 13 not be brought to the performance, which seemed a strange request considering the venue. However, after speaking with Sorensen, it is clear that reason they make such a request is not for the reason you may think.

“You have to be able to think about things, you have to be able to think through the various relationships. It’s not because of violence or because they are talking about the ‘marriage bed,’ it’s because we are talking about things that require thought and careful consideration,” Sorensen said.

This play is not something to casually attend for a fun and playful date night. Athough it is an enjoyable, well-done performance, it’s content is not light.

“It is one that is not readily accessible unless you’re willing to take the journey. But if you’re interested in finding out about the human journey and struggling, come to ‘Blood Wedding,’ find out a little more about life,” Sorensen said.

Though to some this production might seem a surprising choice for an institution like BYU, Sorensen felt this piece was necessary to enlarge the capacity of the students.

Not only does this performance enlarge the capacity of the performers, though, but also those in the audience. The play explores the idea of choice and love through a young bride’s eyes.

She struggles with the realization that her culture is dictating her choices, and that as a result she cannot be with the one she loves. Yet, when she chooses to marry another, she fully understands that her culture requires her to do her duty.

“Family traditions, or culture, or religion and government force people to live a certain way and take away their choice, and that is really applicable in our society today,” Sorensen said.

Beyond the idea of choice, the play teaches consequences for our actions. After doing the unthinkable and betraying her new husband and family, the bride realizes and accepts that her life may not be what she had hoped, because of her choices.

“We must accept responsibility for what we do, and we also must think about it,” Sorensen remarked.

Apart from the compelling story and thought-provoking content, the play conveys deep emotion through the use of music, dance and dramatic lighting.

This intelligent production requires contemplation of it’s audience, but this profound story is well worth the effort required.

For those seeking a night of introspection, BYU offers tickets for $8 which are available through byuarts.com. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. and the production will run through March 20.