A doll’s house – the court theatre

12 October – 9 November

The Court Theatre is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Henrik Ibsen’s iconic play, A Doll’s House, is being helmed by critically-acclaimed director Melanie Luckman.

Set to captivate audiences from 12 October to 9 November at The Court Theatre, this powerful exploration of personal freedom is considered one of the most important plays in the theatrical canon and a must-see event.

First premiered in 1879, A Doll’s House controversially exposes the power and gender dynamics in a marriage. Nora Helmer has it all: a successful and attractive husband, a big house and two charming children. But as Christmas festivities get underway, events from the past return to wreak havoc in paradise. Nora’s life begins to fracture, leaving her trapped inside a web of secrets and lies… Will the truth set her free or is she in too deep?

Nora secretly borrowed a large sum of money so that her husband could recuperate from a serious illness. She never told him of this loan and has been secretly paying it back in small instalments by saving from her household allowance.

Her husband, Torvald, thinks her careless and childlike, and often calls her his doll. When he is appointed bank director, his first act is to relieve a man who was once disgraced for having forged his signature on a document. 

This man, Nils Krogstad, is the person from whom Nora has borrowed her money. It is then revealed that she forged her father’s signature in order to get the money. Krogstad threatens to reveal Nora’s crime and thus disgrace her and her husband unless Nora can convince her husband not to fire him. Nora tries to influence her husband, but he thinks of Nora as a simple child who cannot understand the value of money or business. When Torvald discovers that Nora has forged her father’s name, he is ready to disclaim his wife even though she had done it for him. Later when all is solved, Nora sees that her husband is not worth her love.

A revolutionary classic, A Doll’s House was integral in establishing realism as a theatrical form, and continues to be a provocative portrayal of a woman suffering in a man’s world. Many critics consider Ibsen the father of realistic prose drama. His plays revolutionised theatre with characters and settings that were actually relatable to the audience. 

Sandra Roberts Publicity

M + 64 21 525 104     E sandra@skip.co.nz

M + 64 21 525 104
E sandra@skip.co.nz