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West Virginia University at Parkersburg |
WVU Parkersburg Theatre Department to present "A Doll's House"
CONTACT: Andrew Clovis, Theatre Department, 304-424-8295
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Theatre Department will present
Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama, "A Doll’s House" at 8 p.m., December 3 and 4,
and 2 p.m., December 5.
Performances will take place in the College
Theatre, Room 1305.
Set in Norway during the 19th Century, Ibsen’s play explores the marital
relationship between Nora and Torvald Helmer and ends in what critics
described as “the door slam heard round the world.” Written in 1879, Ibsen’s
realistic classic explores the dangers of valuing propriety and reputation
above all else. Nora and Torvald seem to have the perfect middle-class life
until a well-intentioned deception comes to light. This revelation shows both
that each of them is not whom they thought the other to be, or whom they
thought themselves to be.
The play is filled with what the director,
Andrew Clovis, describes as “finely wrought multi-dimensional characters with
complex behavioral and emotional patterns.”
Considered by many historians and critics to be the most socially
groundbreaking play of the 19th Century, “A Doll’s House” proved to be pivotal
in changing the focus of drama from melodramatic stereotypes to the
representation of real individuals, Clovis added. Subsequently, it was adopted
by the burgeoning Suffragette Movement of the late 1800s as a hallmark drama
of a woman’s need for independence. Ibsen, however, did not like to
characterize the work as a social issue drama and referred to it as a
“domestic tragedy.”
The cast for "A Doll’s House" is comprised of four adult women, three children
and four men. WVU Parkersburg student Stacey Boyce plays the complex Nora.
Clovis, by default, takes on the role of her husband, Torvald. Allison Davis,
also a WVU Parkersburg student, plays Nora’s school friend, Christine Linde,
who has come to Christiania to find employment and becomes embroiled in the
Helmer’s domestic situation. Jim Vaughn of Parkersburg, portrays Nils Krogstad,
a gentleman to whom Nora owes money. Parkersburg resident Joe Peyton plays the
dying Dr. Rank, the Helmer’s closest friend. WVU Parkersburg student Wendy
Smith plays the Helmer’s governess, Anne-Marie. New to the WVU-P stage are
Eric Otto of Parkersburg, who plays the Porter, and WVU Parkersburg student,
Judy Watkins, as Helene, the maid. Rachel Cross, Gavin McVey, and Chastine
Pritt play the Helmer’s three children. Clovis serves as production director
and designer. The crew includes: WVU Parkersburg student Patrick Garvey,
as technical assistant; Patricia Gaston, as costuming assistant; and Shelia
Stacey, as prompter.
Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. WVU Parkersburg students,
staff, and faculty may purchase tickets in advance for $1.00. Tickets may be
purchased at the College Business Office (424-8223) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday.