THE 1041C Theater Reviews

A Doll’s House airs the dirty laundry of the traditional roles in a 19^th century marriage through dialect, dialect, and more dialect. The subject doesn’t hold to the shock value in our modern time (not because it’s good and gone) because we’ve found ways to let it escape us.

It all comes down to money.  The same antagonist in modern marriage is a catalyst in the Helmer relationship.  Of course, modern money dramatics revolve around settling divorces, trying to survive in the economy, and debating over the next vacation spot.  Because it’s from another century, A Doll’s House gives a different side to an issue that will last beyond the beyond this reviewer’s life span.

I will have to contradict my previous review and compromise with the fact that there are just some things beyond the acting potential in a play that are necessary for enjoyable theater. Reading stands are just not part of the equation.  They can’t count as set, and they definitely don’t work towards a successful performance.  They are distractions that a simple, “just ignore them,” won’t diffuse.

Just as a disclaimer I know that I would be nowhere near the caliber of the actors in the performance even with the text and stand in front of me. I appreciate their effort and boldness but I wasn’t captured by it.  Having them sit in the back didn’t work either. The tiny stage, the light that exposes all, and the MC in the corner serve as constant reminders that yes, I am watching a play. I can see a similar setup working in a larger stage and with someone to tamper with the lights. Alas, that was not the case.

The MC is a source of comedic relief and a reminder that the play is shortened.  To interact with an audience is to hold their attention. A pleasant addition to the theater mandates. To be warned that the transitions are rushed isn’t.  To start a play off with an apologetic manner doesn’t inspire confidence that the spectacle to be seen will be grand.  Even though the play is shortened, it establishes the Helmer relationship and retains the original ending.

A Doll’s House generates pleasant surprises in the script that take form of comedy and daunting ending. These factors are sadly overshadowed by the performance of the actors as well as the set up for the play. I left the theater hating the arrangement, not loving the performance