At Gala Theatre, a 17-century 'house of desires' with modern sensibilities

Cross-dressing. Romantic intrigue. An elopement with violent consequences. There's no lack of sensational material in "Los empeños de una casa," a comedy from the Spanish Golden Age being presented at Gala Hispanic Theatre starting Feb. 5. The 17th-century play, whose title has been loosely translated as "House of Desires," shows men and women scheming to break rules, satisfy passion and harness scandal to personal advantage. But the most sensational thing about the play may be its author -- a ...