Blood Wedding

A Tragic Tale of Passion and Fate

Blood Wedding, originally written by Federico García Lorca, is a haunting and powerful play that delves deep into themes of love, honor, and inevitable tragedy. This 1989 edition, translated and adapted by David Johnston, brings Lorca’s poetic and intense drama to an English-speaking audience with sensitivity and vigor. Set in rural Spain, the story unfolds around a wedding overshadowed by past grievances and forbidden passions, where the characters are driven by forces beyond their control, culminating in a devastating conclusion that speaks to the universal nature of human conflict and desire.

Poetry and Symbolism in a Rural Setting

Lorca’s masterpiece is renowned for its rich symbolism and lyrical language, weaving together elements of Spanish folklore and deep psychological insight. Through vivid imagery and haunting metaphors, the play explores the clash between societal expectations and individual longing, capturing the tension between life and death, tradition and rebellion. David Johnston’s translation preserves the emotional intensity and rhythmic beauty of the original, making this edition both accessible and faithful to Lorca’s visionary style. The rural landscape becomes almost a character itself, reflecting the passions and tragedies that grip the people within it.

About the Authors

Federico García Lorca (1898–1936) was one of Spain’s most celebrated poets and playwrights, whose work blends surrealism, folklore, and social critique. His tragic death during the Spanish Civil War cemented his legacy as a symbol of artistic resistance. David Johnston is an accomplished translator and scholar, known for his skillful English versions of Spanish literary classics, making Lorca’s work resonate with modern audiences while respecting its cultural roots. This edition of Blood Wedding stands as a testament to the enduring power of Lorca’s voice across languages and generations.