Who is Nora Helmer – heroic feminist, rabid neurotic, or just a selfish runaway? Adapted and directed by Adam Cook, Sport For Jove Theatre Company presents Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, A Doll’s House at the Seymour Centre for a limited season from 17 July.
One of the masterpieces of nineteenth-century theatre, Cook’s adaptation will explore just how much or how little times have changed since the play first premiered to huge controversy in 1879 with its bold vision of feminist self-hood and rediscovery.
With a brisk pace and plotting of a thriller, Isben’s tale of intrigue, fraud and betrayal has strong contemporary resonances for today’s audiences, exposing a world where duty, power and hypocrisy rule.
The story follows the Helmers who are all set to enjoy a new life in a new home. Torvald has been promoted to a senior position at the bank and Nora is delighted. At last, they can put their financial troubles behind them. But their fragile happiness is shattered by the arrival of an unexpected visitor.
As the lies that Nora has told, and the risks that she has taken to protect her husband are exposed, they are forced to question just how perfect their marriage really is. Now, it seems, only a miracle will set them free.
Adam Cook graduated from the NIDA Directors Course in 1988, and has since directed over 100 productions across Australia, London, Canada and the United States, and was Artistic Director of the State Theatre Company of South Australia for 2005-2012.
Most recently Adam directed the critically acclaimed hit Much Ado About Nothing for Sport for Jove’s outdoor summer festival season, as well as the highly acclaimed Workhorse Theatre Company production of The Motherf*cker with the Hat which will be remounted in a co-production with Darlinghurst Theatre later this year.
Director: Adam Cook Featuring: Bill Blake, Thom Blake, Annie Byron, Massimo Di Napoli, Barry French, Anthony Gooley, Douglas Hansell, Matilda Ridgway, Francesca Savige, Noah Sturzaker Designer: Hugh O’Connor Lighting Designer: Gavan Swift Choreography: Julia Cotton Stage Manager: Michelle McKenzie
A Doll’s House
Reginald Theatre – Seymour Centre, Cnr City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale
Season: 17 July – 2 August 2014
Bookings: (02) 9351 7940 or online at: www.seymourcentre.com
For more information, visit: www.seymourcentre.com for details.
Image: by Seiya Taguchi – courtesy of Sport for Jove Theatre Company