A Doll’s House Review
14.06.2022
The Ensemble Theatre, based in Kirribilli right beside the beautiful waters of Sydney Harbour, has been producing professional theatre since 1958, and has earned its reputation for quality in doing do. The Theatre’s dedication to presenting ‘the best of international plays, well-loved classics and new Australian works’ is on clear display in its current production of the renowned play A Doll’s House, running until Saturday 16 July 2022.
A Doll’s House was originally written in 1879 by Henrik Ibsen, a renowned Norwegian playwright widely considered to be “the father of theatrical realism”. Exploring themes of responsibility, relationships, and freedom within the context of a grounded domestic drama, A Doll’s House has remained a popular staple of the stage for nearly a century and a half. This is due to its emotionally complex characters and depiction of the choices of a married woman in a male-oriented world.
The Ensemble Theatre utilises a script adapted by Joanna Murray-Smith that sets the story squarely in contemporary Australia, complete with mobile phones and references to the Banking Royal Commission. This is reflected in the production’s approach to set and production design, with the entire play set in the appropriately charming modern-bourgeoisie home of the Helmer family.
The production features good performances, with the standout being James Lugton’s turn as husband Torvald. In the role of a man whose experiences range from general calms and irritations to a notably middle-aged brand of playfulness to a perfectly-conveyed sense of righteous fury, Lugton brings his considerable reserves of charisma and formidability, and to great effect. Combined with Chantelle Jamieson’s particularly lively approach to protagonist Nora, and strong work from the supporting cast of Lizzie Schebesta (Kristine), David Soncin (Krogstad) and Tim Walter (Dr. Rank), the production is made engaging through their efforts at bringing Ibsen’s characters to life as filtered through a modern lens.
This adaption’s approach to using a ‘contemporary lens’ is not always successful. For example, the justification of the inciting mental health trip to Italy would be much easier to digest within a story set at a time when doctors prescribing travel was a reality – rather than the fantasy it is now. However, the Ensemble Theatre’s production of A Doll’s House provides an interesting and entertaining approach to Ibsen’s work, with his engaging plot and the cast’s strong performances making it a show certainly worth seeing.
3 Stars.
Amelia, 21 [she/her]
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17.06.2022
A fun and entertaining night at the theatre.
A Doll’s House is an old feminist classic by Henrik Ibsen about an unfulfilled housewife who has gotten herself into a legal web of lies and anxiety. I am personally fond of the story and loved watching it play out in modern day antics.
In terms of adaption, it was contextually weak and messy- there wasn’t any definite setting or commitment to an era’s language so wasn’t at all impressive dramaturgically – but I didn’t care. The rest of the production made up for that.
The set was beautiful and clearly amply budgeted for, intoxicating to look at with all its little knick knacks and contemporary staples. Same goes for the costumes, nice and aesthetic. Special mention to Nora’s party costume which paid a beautiful homage to the original era A Doll’s House was written in.
The actors were all exceptional and had very obvious, lifelong skill sets. They all made their performances look effortless and sung the dialogue without an ounce of confusion, they understood and portrayed the context and history behind every single line. I want to personally praise David Soncin’s work, an actor who I am a big fan of, and who did not disappoint. His creativity and commitment to these characters that he fully fleshes out and wholistically transforms into is very inspiring and motivating for an aspiring actor like myself. Directors and casting teams – see more of him!
Chantelle Jameison is also interesting to watch. Nora is a huge role and the work and time Chantelle put into portraying her is obvious. Although I would have loved to see her play more to her strength and power instead of submitting to the stereotype of a whimsy and submissive housewife that we particularly saw at the beginning. It didn’t feel lived in or comfortable for her, and seeing a woman who didn’t subscribe to the above stereotype would’ve been more fulfilling and exciting. In saying this, she did do really well, with special mention to her monologue at the close of the play.
I’m not sure this adaptation was relevant or massaged enough to suit modern day dilemmas, but I was satisfied with the show in general and am looking forward to seeing more from Ensemble in future.
4 Stars.
Anjelica, 21 [she/her]
Ensemble Theatre’s A Doll’s House plays at the Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli until the 16th July. Buy tickets here.