Nora

Synopsis

Revered film-maker Ingmar Bergman’s version of Ibsen’s controversial 19th Century classic play A Doll’s House, is a psychological and revelatory drama. In order to save her husband from dying, Nora risks her reputation by taking drastic actions that must be kept secret to protect their future. The secret’s revelation sets in motion a series of events that question the validity of their marriage and Nora awakens to a sense of self-awareness for the first time in her life.

Our Review:

Anne Morley-Priestman - 10 November 2009

Making the past relevant to the present is always going to be a tricky operation. Making the present relate to the past is even more complicated. Ingmar Bergman’s adaptation of Ibsen’s A Dolls’ House into Nora, trimming minor characters in order to concentrate more sharply on the protagonist herself, throws emphasis on the actors of the five parts left but perhaps doesn’t solve any fundamental dilemmas.
Sue Lefton’s production and Sally Howard’s design present us with a stage bare of anything but a sofa, chairs, a box on a stand and a Christmas tree. Those of the cast not directly involved in any one of the 15 scenes sit on either side of the main acting area. Costumes are realistic and of the period of the play’s original production, the late 1870s. How far the audience’s sympathies and understanding are engaged thus falls squarely on the performers.
In fact it’s very well cast, with Kate Copeland givi...

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