Photo Credit: Kennesaw State Theater. Promotional Image posted for KSU’s “Blood Wedding” on Oct. 13, 2025.
The KSU theatre program hosted a production of “Blood Wedding,” directed by assistant theatre professor Marlon Andrew Burnley.
Originally written in 1932 by Spanish playwright Frederico García Lorca, the Kennesaw State production took a modern, midwestern angle to the classic play. KSU students Jordan Atha and Mateo Tibbs starred as the bride and groom, and KSU student Ashton Harden played antagonist Leonardo.
University staff, faculty and other students made the play a success. They filled roles in the production’s dramaturgy, lighting and costumes, and many played as extras.
Viewers did not need to watch the original play by Lorca to understand the Kennesaw State production of this dramatic story. In fact, it was interesting to see how our university adapted the play from its classic version.
All productions of “Blood Wedding” follow the same story: the bride and groom are getting married in the early 1900s. However, dysfunctional families and forbidden love make the wedding a deadly tragedy. This plot acted as the foundation for Kennesaw State’s intriguing adaptation.
KSU’s theatre department reimagined the play to include folk music and culture inspired by the state of Montana. Director Burnley took a trip to the midwestern state for community theatre, which became the inspiration for his creative adaptation.
While this location was a far leap from Lorna’s original location in Spain, the KSU version of the play was unique and captivating. Despite the drastic variations, the story carried the same weight as the traditional production.
While the play was no longer set in Spain, KSU fully respected Lorca’s original vision of the play. This was achieved by providing biographical information about the Spanish playwright directly outside the doors of the theater. After watching, it was clear that a lot of care went into the show’s production and honoring Lorca’s version.
As previously mentioned, midwestern folk music was included throughout the play. Viewers were treated to wonderful instrumental music, which gave the setting a country feel. Although sparse, the show’s singing numbers presented impactful and authentic voices. Songs included “Blackbird” by The Beatles and the classic “You Are My Sunshine.”
The production’s costumes also established the setting, as actors and actresses looked like something straight out of a western film. From cowboy hats aplenty to bolo tie galore, director Burnley’s vision truly came to life. The actresses’ dresses, while slightly modernized, made the show feel like a period piece.
The costume team at Kennesaw State University had the task of making a costume for a character that acts as the moon. This “moon” character creates eerie tension while monologuing about death. Therefore, a costume team worked to ensure that the moon did not look out of place. Otherwise, the tension would be broken.
The skilled KSU costume team managed to avoid this, and the moon’s incredible costume only added to its actor’s monologue.
While the set had very few props, it was admirable how much they added to the production’s environment with so little. Only a table, chairs and a few props scattered the dark stage. The minimal set made the “Blood Wedding” tragedy a reality by creating a slightly oppressive atmosphere.
The actors made the play feel like a true tragedy by creating a deeply moving performance. The emotions were genuinely felt by the audience, making the viewer feel more connected to the characters. This highly emotional atmosphere was brilliantly achieved, even though the audience could see only the silhouettes of the actors.
Kennesaw State’s Americanized version of Lorca’s “Blood Wedding” presented a unique twist, featuring Montana folklore that made the play stand out from its original Spanish roots.
