The Kentucky Wesleyan College theatre department is presenting the drama A Doll’s House Part II later this month, offering an engaging atmosphere.
Shows are Sept. 11 at 7 p.m., Sept. 12 at 2 p.m., and Sept. 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. The play will be presented at the Activity Hall at 3300 Frederica St.
Director Jordan Blake Key is returning to his alma mater to direct and said they are offering an engaging experience as they will perform in the round with the stage surrounded by a giant birdcage and the audience surrounding that.
Audiences will have an intimate look at the most heated, most tender, and most awkward moments provided by the play. Additionally, there will be a talkback with the actors following the play.
A release describes the play as follows: “Award-winning playwright Lucas Hnath continues the story of the groundbreaking classic 1879 play by Henrik Ibsen in which Nora Helmer makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children and begin a life on her own. This climactic event — when Nora slams the door on everything in her life — instantly propelled world drama into the modern age. In A Doll’s House Part II, many years have passed since Nora’s exit. Now, there’s a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will it mean for those she left behind?”
Nate Gross, Kentucky Wesleyan theatre faculty and director of theatre, plays the husband, and said this has been a unique opportunity to act with students and with Grae Greer, the new director of theatre at OCTC.
Greer said the rehearsal process has been “a dream.”
“The collaboration and communication between the creative team and performers is something I’ve never experienced with other productions,” Greer said. “Since seeing the original Broadway production, this show has been on my dream acting list. Nora is such a fierce, vulnerable woman and getting to bring her to life is an experience I’ll never find anywhere else in this community.”
Gross said this may be the most beautifully constructed play he has ever read.
“Hnath makes you feel and understand every character’s perspective,” he said. “The play makes you think about marriage, family, tradition and the impact of your decisions on others. The play gives anyone who is in a relationship or will ever be in a relationship a lot to consider.”
Costumes are designed by Owensboro resident Haley Roby.
Ticket information is available on the Kentucky Wesleyan College Theatre Department Facebook page, at kwc.edu and by emailing nate.gross@kwc.
