A Doll’s House Pt 2
A Doll’s House Pt 2 is a sequel to Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play, A Doll’s House, extremely controversial in its time, in which sweet little “doll wife” Nora, leaves her husband Torvald, and their children. This play, set fifteen years after Nora’s departure, explores what happens, when after fifteen years of no contact, Nora returns. Presented by Red Ryder Productions, this well-directed play with a talented, tight-knit cast of four, makes for fascinating viewing.
Alison van Reeken is excellent in the central role, a Nora who knows who she is, who has lived and has strong opinions. A beautiful, layered performance with depth and strength. Torvald is played with appropriate reserve and stiffness by Maitland Schnaars, an interesting characterisation of a man who has not grown in the interceding years.
Julia Moody’s housekeeper/nanny Anne-Marie is a breath of fresh air in this performance, whose reactions, and occasional unexpected ripe language give us some much-needed levity.
The cast is completed by ‘Ana Ika as Nora’s now grown daughter Emmy, an intelligent and well-placed performance.
Played on a prettily coloured but almost bare set, a room that was once inviting, but now depleted and empty. Karen Cook’s lighting design is subtle and understated, with Jess Nyanda-Moyle’s sound design supporting the show well. Fiona Bruce gives us fairly traditional costumes, with now-author Nora given an elegant but slightly bohemian look. The exception is Emmy, clad in very 2024 footwear.
An excellent production that is a must see for lovers of the source material, and anyone who appreciates quality theatre.
Kimberley Shaw
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