Antaeus Theatre Company presents Nora, a stage version of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House by Ingmar Bergman. Written by Henrik Ibsen. Directed by Cameron Watson.
In the midst of a crisis, Nora (Jocelyn Towne) has many things to worry about. What if her husband Torvald Helmer (Brian Tichnell) finds out about the source of the money they used to get him back to health? Will she relent to Nils Krogstad’s (Michael Kirby) blackmail attempts? Will she be able to help her friend Mrs. Linde (Mildred Marie Langford)? What if Nora just leaves?
To reflect Henrik Ibsen‘s controversial text and layered characters, Director Cameron Watson stages a captivating play with an excellent attention to detail. The acting, costumes, lighting, music/sound, and scenic design interweave to enthrall the audience in this fascinating production. When these elements are in sync, the theatre experience is enriching and memorable.
The acting. Towne digs deep into the complexities and challenges of this character created in the late 1800s, a time when women had limited financial opportunities and were expected to conform to a traditional role as obedient wives. Towne’s performance delves convincingly into the unhappiness and isolation of the protagonist and delivers with conviction Nora’s determination to end her imprisonment and gain her freedom.
Tichnell also offers a convincing performance. He depicts Torvald as the seemingly loving and caring husband who ends up showing his selfishness by disregarding his wife’s needs as a human being. Kirby, Langford, and Smith all excel in their performances as well. They bring depth to the story, creating the conflict and the support to heighten the drama of the story. Watson has an exceptional group of actors to explore the nuances of Ibsen’s characters and the society in which they live.
The creative elements. Lighting Designer Jared A. Sayeg uses blue, a cold color, not only as a reflection of Norway’s weather but also as a symbol of the coldness of the Helmer’s marriage. The stark lighting used as transitions serves as a dramatic visualization of the conflicted lives of the characters and the tension that is building up.
Scenic Director Tesshi Nakagawa continues with the blue tones in the walls to complement the lighting. The windows create dramatic lighting effects and serve as a voyeuristic sight into the Helmer’s marriage.
The costumes by Terri A. Lewis transports us back to the 19th century. To match the overall design, Nora is also in blue. The colors of the costumes of the other characters also hint to their personalities. Krogstad, for example, is dressed in dark colors that depict the danger he represents to Nora.
The sound by Jeff Gardner and the score by Ellen Mandel translates the dramatic states of the characters’ lives, including the apparent peace and the uneasiness they are experiencing. In particular, the sound effect at the end resonates as loudly as Nora’s bold decision. These details by the production team are an expression of the richness of Ibsen’s universe.
The blocking adds dynamism to the play. The placement of the couch, bed, and dinning table allows the actors to use the stage fluidly. The dance, choreographed by classically-trained Jean Michelle Sayeg, shows one more time the level of details to make this production attractive and entertaining.
This play has been influential throughout history. It continues to start a conversation, to look back in time to see if things have changed or still need to change. One thing is for sure. When a troupe of talented artists recreate this play, regardless of the status quo, magic happens and the premise of the story reverberates with as much strength as the slamming of the door.
Nora
Antaeus Theatre Company
Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center
110 East Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
(between N. Brand Blvd. and Artsakh Ave.)
Apr 26, 2024 – May 26, 2024
Tickets: https://antaeus.org/show-details/nora
A Stage Version of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House by Ingmar Bergman. Translated and Adapted by Frederick J. Marker and Lise-Lone Marker. Directed by Cameron Watson. Artistic Director Bill Brochtrup. Producing Executive Director Ana Rose O’Halloran.
Cast: NILS KROGSTAD: Michael Kirby. MRS. LINDE: Mildred Marie Langford. DOCTOR RANK: Peter James Smith. TORVALD HELMER: Brian Tichnell. NORA: Jocelyn Towne.
Creative team: Scenic Director Tesshi Nakagawa. Lighting Designer Jared A. Sayeg. Costume Designer Terri A. Lewis. Lighting Designer Jared A. Sayeg. Sound Designer Jeff Gardner. Props Designer Aaron Lyons. Intimacy Director Carly DW Bones. Choreographer Jean Michelle Sayeg. Composer Ellen Mandel. Production Stage Manager Talya Camras. Assistant Director Max Tel. Technical Director Adam Meyer. Assistant Stage Manager Casey Collaso.
