Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos Reimagines Lorca’s Classic at the Los Angeles Theatre Center
The Latino Theater Company, in collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Latine ensemble Teatro Alebrijes, has brought a striking contemporary vision to the stage with Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos. Currently playing at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, this production is a bold reimagining of Federico García Lorca’s classic play, The House of Bernarda Alba, weaving themes of repression, desire, and gender identity into a modern narrative.
A Bold Reinterpretation of Repression
Written by Rodrigo García and Ugho Badú, Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos preserves the core tensions of Lorca’s original work while framing them through a unique lens. The story centers on the domineering matriarch, Carlota, and her three daughters who live in a household where time has seemingly stopped. The sisters—the eldest Mari Fer, who struggles with constant sweating; the narcoleptic middle child Mari Pepa; and the youngest, Mari Tere, who is experiencing her first love—are confined within the walls of their home under Carlota’s strict rule.
The stability of Carlota’s carefully ordered world fractures after the family attends the funeral of a man from her past. This event triggers a reckoning, forcing Carlota to face the repercussions of her rigid rules as grief and resentment reach a boiling point.
Challenging Gender Norms Through Casting
The production’s most distinctive choice is its casting strategy. In a move that deepens the play’s interrogation of societal expectations, the role of Carlota, her daughters, and other primary characters are performed by male actors. Conversely, the housekeepers—Prudencia, played by Carolina Pérez, and Consuelo, played by Yatzil Ruiz—are portrayed by women.
This casting choice transforms the text, adding layers to lines regarding how Carlota might be perceived had she been born a man. By positioning the female actors as the observant, truth-telling servants, the production sharpens its commentary on the intersection of power, class, and gender roles.
Performance and Artistry
Critics have noted the ensemble’s ability to deliver grounded and emotionally resonant performances. Sergio Dávila leads the cast as Carlota, balancing a commanding authority with a heartbreaking unraveling. Carolina Pérez provides a necessary counterpoint as Prudencia, utilizing wit and warmth to cut through the suffocating rigidity of the household.
Production Details and Attendance
The play is performed in Spanish and features English supertitles to ensure accessibility for all audiences. With a runtime of 80 minutes, the production offers a concise yet powerful exploration of family dynamics.
- Venue: Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Downtown LA.
- Run Dates: The production runs through May 24, 2026.
- Ticket Pricing: General admission is $48. Discounted tickets are available at $24 for students, seniors (65+), veterans, and LAUSD staff (with ID). Special $10 tickets are available for previews and Thursday performances.
- Accessibility: The venue is ADA accessible, offering a minimum of three wheelchair and semi-ambulatory tickets per performance.
Key Takeaways
- Creative Collaboration: A joint effort between Latino Theater Company and Teatro Alebrijes.
- Source Material: A modern reimagining of Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba.
- Gender-Bending Casting: Male actors play the lead female roles to examine gender roles and repression.
- Language: Performed in Spanish with English supertitles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the runtime of Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos?
The play has a runtime of 80 minutes.
Is the play performed in English?
The production is performed in Spanish, but English supertitles are provided for the audience.
Are there discounted tickets available?
Yes. Tickets are $24 for students, seniors 65+, veterans, and LAUSD staff with valid identification. Previews and Thursday shows are priced at $10.
Who wrote this adaptation?
The play was written by Rodrigo García and Ugho Badú.