Department or Program

Theater and Rhetoric

Abstract

Fantasized realities cripple a seemingly ideal marriage through lies, deception, and ultimate imprisonment in a socially constructed world. Societal obligations and expectations are shattered in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House as individuality and gender equality take center stage. Set in an era of well-defined gender roles and established social mores, A Doll’s House sheds light on the strength and perseverance of the individual, and exposes the stark contrast between social responsibility and personal awakening. My project involves directing a production of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House and a written investigation of Ibsen’s biography, production history, and play analysis. The design of this production of A Doll’s House is anchored on the concept of an influential outside environment providing contrast to the seemingly insular comfort of the Helmer home. The production is set in New York in the second decade of the twentieth century, circa World War I. The exterior city environment symbolizes both freedom and oppression in a world driven by societal expectations and appearances. This thesis seeks to present a production of A Doll’s House that incorporates Ibsen’s truthfulness regarding the human condition with the powerful influences of an outside city environment that speaks to a modern audience.

Level of Access

Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access

Date of Graduation

Spring 5-2012

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Number of Pages

43

Restricted

Available to Bates community via local IP address or Bates login.

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