A Doll's House, Part 2 Presented by International City Theatre

International City Theatre will present the sequel A Doll’s House Part 2 April 13 through May 1.  Lucas Hnath wrote this thought-provoking play that continues with a knock on the door as Nora returns to her family 15 years later.  For more information and to purchase tickets or subscriptions, call 562-436-4610 or go to www.InternationalCityTheatre.org. 

Remembering Ibsen’s A Doll’s House
In the late 19^th century, Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen was considered to be one of the most influential playwrights of his time and considered the “father of realism” due to his honest, realistic settings, realistic dialogue, and the creation of psychologically realistic characters in his plays who often challenged European strict morals of family life and propriety.  One of his most well-known plays is A Doll’s House which debuted in 1879 at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark and quickly made waves around the world due to his groundbreaking look at how societal expectations limit people, especially women. 
 
The play follows Nora Helmer, a subservient wife committed to ensuring her family’s wellbeing.  When Nora secretly and illegally obtains a loan to pay for a trip to cure her husband’s illness, it threatens to ruin both Nora and her husband.  Women could not take out loans. Realizing her marriage, life and happiness were based on what society expects her to be, the façade of her existence comes tumbling down.  Her struggle to understand who she is and her search for personal happiness and freedom begins when she finds the courage to leave her husband and children.   A Doll’s House ends when the door slams shut as she exits. 
 
The powerful, honest examination of male and female roles resulted in great controversy when the play opened.  The relevance of this play continues as it speaks to the universal issue of a woman's identity in a male-dominated society.  In 2006 A Doll’s House was the most performed play worldwide as part of the centennial anniversary of Ibsen’s death.