A TRAGEDY bursting with pent-up emotion, penned by a writer who himself became a tragic figure in Spanish literary history, is to go on stage in Malvern.

Federico Garcia Lorca was born in 1898 near Grenada. He wrote poems as a teenager, reciting them in cafes. He eventually made his way to Madrid, where he became friendly with many notable figures, including Salvador Dali.

His first great play, the rural tragedy Blood Wedding, was staged in 1933. It was immensely popular in Spain and in Argentina. In 1935 he presented his second village tragedy, Yerma, and completed his third, The House of Bernarda Alba.

His left-wing alliances and passion for liberty marked him out as a potential target during the Spanish Civil War, and Fascist soldiers duly arrested him in August 1936. He was shot dead two days later. Books containing his writing were burned and declared prohibited and his body was dumped in an unmarked grave, the whereabouts of which are still a mystery.

However, he is today recognised as an important talent, and Gwynne Edwards' translation of The House of Bernarda Alba is to be performed by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Malvern's Festival Theatre next month.

Inspired by real-life characters and described by Lorca himself as a "true record of village life", it is a tragic tale of frustration and explosive passions in a household of women ruled by a tyrannical mother.

As one of only eight conservatoires in the country, RWCMD has fierce competition for places. It is Wales' only provider of vocational, professional training in music and drama at conservatoire level.

Performances will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8 and 9 at 8pm. Tickets are £5 (students £3) and bookings can be made on 01684 892277 or at www.malvern-theatres .co.uk.