On the evening of December 19
th, the NCPA’s production of Henrik Ibsen’s drama
A Doll’s House opened for the 14
th round. The century-old story of “Nora’s Departure” quietly unfolded. In the 10
th year of the NCPA drama
A Doll’s House, the revival stage director LIU Jiusi, together with WANG Yiqing, SUN Lishi, FENG Yang, YANG Qi, LI Zhaoyang, and WANG Wenjie, once again presented this classic drama by Ibsen in winter, leading the audience to revisit Nora's path of awakening.
NCPA Drama A Doll's House
In 2014, to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the premiere of
A Doll’s House in China, the NCPA specially produced and staged this classic, bringing the original work closer to the audience in the new era.
A Doll’s House is also the first small-theatre drama commissioned by the NCPA. Based on Ibsen's original work, the drama wisely delves deeper into the common social contradictions within marriage and family.
NCPA Drama A Doll's House
Protagonist Nora is initially happy and cheerful. With Christmas approaching and her husband Helmer about to get a promotion, she is joyfully preparing holiday gifts for her family. However, a marriage crisis that has lasted for eight years gradually emerges during the three days of Christmas.
Christine, an old classmate who has not seen Nora for a long time, comes to visit and tells Nora about her life. After Christine’s husband passed away, she faced difficulties inside and outside the family alone, forming a sharp contrast with Nora's happy life. Therefore, Christine always persuades Nora to communicate actively to gain understanding.
When Nora seeks a position for her friend, Helmer takes the opportunity to dismiss Krogstad, with whom he has a feud. This, however, exposes the secret of the forged signature between Nora and Krogstad eight years ago. At this moment, Nora becomes a "bad thing" and "criminal." After Krogstad, who comes to seek justice, is persuaded and the crisis is averted. Nora reverts to being the "doll" to be pardoned. Between Helmer’s accusations and forgivenss, Nora finally perceives the truth of this seemingly warm family and leaves, shutting the door behind her amidst Helmer’s pompous speech.
Dr. Rank was a bystander of this family. He infuses a touch of poetry into the play beyond the intense plot and enriches the layers of the conflicts between Nora and Helmer. His presence also adds more contemplations about the meaning of life and social relations to the drama, in addition to its focus on marriage issues.
After the curtain fell, the NCPA drama A Doll's House received enthusiastic applause. Nora's power of awakening inspired and consoled the hearts of every audience. According to the revive stage director LIU Jiusi, during the ten years since A Doll's House has been on the NCPA stage, countless moving moments generated, making this drama evolve into a classic. Every rehearsal and performance is something to look forward to. In the future, it is expected to create more classic interpretations on this stage.
The drama will continue to be staged until December 24th, bringing a profound and inspiring New Year's drama gift to the audience.
Photos by GAO Shang
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