Fringe Show Reviews

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

A DOLL'S HOUSE

Written by: Adapted from the play by Henrik Ibsen

Presented by: University of Winnipeg Theatre Department / Winnipeg, MB

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07/19/2009 2:25 PM | Comments: 0

IT seems like a crazy idea, but casting five actors in the role of Nora in this adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 classic works like a charm. The quintet are like a collection of life-size porcelain dolls, gliding and twirling around the set in the opening Christmas Eve scene, and positively swarming every other character who enters the room.

Nora’s husband Torvald is also doll-like, resembling a ventriloquist’s dummy, although he rules the roost with a paternal hand, withholding sweets and scolding Nora like a child.

And there’s a broad, cartoonish villainy to the ghoulish Krogstad, who threatens to destroy Nora’s marriage by revealing she borrowed money with a forged note.

The Noras are by turns frivolous and flirtatious — inappropriately so in the company of the randy, terminally ill Dr. Rank — or naive and spoiled. Well played, choreographed and staged, this 85-minute gem seems shorter than many 60-minute shows.

— Pat St. Germain

From the official Fringe Festival program:

UWinnipeg (HAIR - **** - highest attendance - ‘07) presents the most innovative and engaging production you’ll see at Fringe 09!

In 1879, Ibsen’s A DOLL'S HOUSE was scandalous for challenging Victorian romanticism and treatment of women.

Renowned choreographer Tom Stroud and UWinnipeg’s theatre department bring lyrical movement and image together with a theatrical classic to resonate with modern headlines and the domestic unrest that still lingers beneath.

Tickets: $8
Discount Tickets: $6 for Matinees, Students

Babes in arms permitted.

http://theatre.uwinnipeg.ca

Warnings: Herbal Cigarettes,
RECOMMENDED:
General Audience

75 min.

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