A Doll's House at the Seymour Centre - Review

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Thu 17 Jul 2014 - Sat 02 Aug 2014

Nora is adorable, Nora is strong, Nora can take risks (beyond her innocent face) but above all Nora is a woman who can think for herself and can pick her battles.

Sport for Jove theatre company presents Adam's Cook's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's 'A Dolls House'. The play is set in the 19th century (with a few changes to suit current day and age) and revolves around Nora and Torvald's (the Helmers) life that is just hit by something unexpected which causes turmoil and anguish.



Being a rather bold depiction of the protagonist Nora's values, the play most definitely would have raised questions and been subject to controversy in the 19th century. Matilda Ridgway perfectly plays the character of Nora. The sweet, docile, childlike Nora and the strong feminist Nora. Matilda is dramatically versatile, she even manages to modulate her voice to suit the mood of the character, which is commendable. She has an extra-ordinary stage presence, one that speaks highly of her talent.



The epicenter of the play comes from the truth that Nora has been hiding all these years which she now has to face. A truth that has the potential to shake their lives. At each point, when the audience may try to predict where the act may be headed, a new angle is introduced that changes the direction. In every twist is revealed the truth being the facade of every character. Nora has a certain expectation of how things will unfold when the truth is revealed but what really happens is not something one would expect. The play makes a brilliant case study for character analysis and metamorphosis of Nora.



Charismatic Doug Hansell plays Torvald with much ease. The beauty of his part in the play is how his reacts to 'the realisation of the truth' in the second half. It must take someone of incredible acting talent to pull off the expressions and character depiction that Doug did. In one word - flawless. The cast also includes Barry French, Francesca Savige, Annie Byron and Anthony Gooley.



The play is being performed at Seymour center's Reginald theatre till 2nd August. Seats are limited, so get your spot booked fast.

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!date 17/07/2014 -- 02/08/2014
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