News Archive

Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department and the Theatre League present Ibsen's A Doll's House.

Published November 01, 2017

Scandalous and groundbreaking when it premiered, A Doll’s House continues to be viewed as one of the most sensational and pertinent shows in theatre history. In their second production of the season, Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department and the Theatre League revisit this classic Henrik Ibsen play that has inspired countless revivals, as well as a 2017 Tony-nominated Broadway sequel. Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, directed by Dr. Matthew Ames, will run November 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and November 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Callahan Theatre at the Nazareth College Arts Center.

As one of Ibsen’s most notable pieces, A Doll’s House is known for pushing the boundaries of societal expectations by delving into the familial and gender roles ingrained within our culture.  

The play follows protagonist, Nora, in her seemingly idyllic marriage to Torvald. When a secret debt comes back to haunt her, Nora finds herself in a morally and financially vulnerable situation - one that forces her to reevaluate her role as a wife and mother.

This timeless drama has been produced multiple times since its premiere at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen in 1879, though not without controversy. Following its premiere, some theatre companies initially altered the ending, so as not to offend audiences with such forward-thinking ideals of the time.  

"It is, unfortunately, still of the utmost import to tell Nora's story -- the story of a woman who discovers the world that she thinks she has created for herself is not truly her own, and never can be,” says Dr. Matthew Ames.  “Ibsen was no feminist, that nomenclature did not exist, but he believed that no woman could ever truly be judged fairly or receive equal treatment in a patriarchal society. Are things really that different in America in 2017?"

In a riveting three-acts Ibsen examines social constraints, the essence of free will, and the opposing forces of autonomy and obligation - all of which continue to permeate our society today.

TICKETS

  • General Admission: $12
  • Seniors: $10
  • Nazareth students with NazID: free
  • Nazareth employees: half price
  • Non-Naz students: $6 at the door with ID

For tickets, call or visit the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: naz.edu/artscenter.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and from 11 a.m. until curtain time on performance days.

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM                       

The play’s cast features Katja Stavenhagen (Nora), Erin Griffin (Mrs. Linde), Christopher Peterkin (Torvald), Robert DiJames (Krogstad), Peter Smith (Dr. Rank), Chelsea Colton (Helene), Chelsea Jensen (Anne-Marie), and Jake Smith (Tomas).

A Doll’s House design team consists of Allen Wright Shannon (scenic designer), Emily Stork (sound designer), Alex Anthony (technical director), and Yuanting Zhao (costume designer). Student creative team members are Katie Thomas & Briar-Rose Murphy (Dramaturgs/Assistant Directors), Sam Spadafore (stage manager), Ricarda Harnischmacher & Mattie Matthews-Austin (assistant stage managers), Katlyn Feder (lighting designer), and Emily Borden (props master).

For More Information

Rita Mannelli: 585-389-2147 or rmannel5@naz.edu

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

A Doll's House at the Nazareth College Arts Center