WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film is pleased to present Tom’s Stroud’s “playful adaptation” of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House for 2009’s Fringe Theatre Festival. The production, runs from July 15 to July 26 and is proudly being presented at the University’s new Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film.
Arguably The Most Popular Play
Written in 1879, A Doll’s House is arguably the most popular play by Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen. In the early nineteenth century, the play created uproar for its scandalous representation of Nora and the secret struggle within the Victorian household. The play was at one point secluded to private parties and whispered breath as the mere mention of the production created pandemonium.
The action takes place in the house of Torvald and Nora Helmer who are seemingly the picture perfect family of the Victorian Era. Torvald has just been granted a considerable promotion and Nora will soon be given all the material possessions she could ever imagine. The happy family will finally be free from anxiety, leaving room for only love and happiness, until an ugly secret is drudged up from Nora’s recent past and the delicate structure of their happy home is threatened.
Innovative Adaptation
Stroud’s innovative adaptation utilizes a variety of styles and characterization; from parody to realism, to take a fresh look at the mores and values reflected in the play. “The beauty of adapting a classic play such as A Doll’s House is that as cultural landmark, it opens a window to the past which ultimately draws our attention to the similarities and differences in our current views regarding the subject matter” states Stroud. “At the same time we are free to explore that material in our own way. For example in our production Nora is played by five actors which allows us to create layers of image and metaphor to illuminate the inner workings of the character”.
The production will be performed by Third and Fourth Year Honours Acting Students from the University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film.
The Media Shoot will take place on Tuesday, July 7 from 3:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. at the Gas Station Theatre (445 River Ave). Members of the media are invited to register their attendance with Patty Hawkins at 204.786.9955 or p.hawkins@uwinnipeg.ca.
Performances are Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 26 at Venue 12, The Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film located at 400 Colony Street. Admission is $6 for students and $8 for adults.
For more information visit the University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film’s website at: http://theatre.uwinnipeg.ca or the official Fringe Festival website at: http://theatre.uwinnipeg.ca
Based in its new home in the Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film at The University of Winnipeg, the Department of Theatre and Film offers areas of study in Acting, Design, Drama in Education, Filmmaking, Playwriting, and Production/Stage Management. The classes are small and the approach is practical. The faculty is comprised of highly respected and award-winning professionals who are experienced teachers and remain active in their disciplines, bringing relevant and up-to-date instruction to students.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Patty Hawkins, Department of Theatre and Film, The University of Winnipeg
T: 204.786.9955, p.hawkins@uwinnipeg.ca
