UK Touring Theatre visits Worthing’s Connaught Theatre as part of the world premiere tour of a new English adaptation of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House on September 24th and 25th. The company, who previously visited Worthing with their production of Strindberg’s Miss Julie, have produced and created a new version of Henrik Ibsen’s play about marriage, money and the freedom of women in the late 19th century. The new text is part of their ongoing work to produce new translations of timeless European plays for performance across the UK
The Scandinavian classic, written in 1879, is set in 19th century Norway and takes place between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. It explores the relationship of Torvald and Nora Helmer, whose seemingly perfect marriage is not as it appears. The arrival of a visitor on Christmas Eve threatens the stability of the couple’s relationship, revealing secrets, blackmail and previously hidden beliefs.
The play shocked and divided critics across Europe when it was first published and performed owing to its depiction of a woman struggling to survive in a man’s world and Nora’s rejection of the ideal family life. Now widely regarded as one of Ibsen’s masterpieces, it has received worldwide critical acclaim and in 2006 it was the world’s most-performed play.
Director Michael Woodwood says: “A Doll’s House is a very powerful piece. Every woman can relate to Nora and the social roles that she plays, as daughter, wife and mother. Every woman should see this play once in their lifetime.”
A Doll’s House appears at the Connaught Theatre, Union Place, Worthing. BN11 1LG on Wednesday September 24th and Thursday September 25th at 7.30pm, matinee Thursday 2.00pm. Tickets: are priced at £16, concessions £2 off, Friends of Worthing Theatres £13, and can be purchased from the box office on 01903 206 206 or online at www.worthingtheatres.co.uk