by Henrik Ibsen translated by Simon Stephen
Directed by Katie Webster
Performances 09-16 NOVEMBER 2019
Auditions 2.00pm Sunday 14 July 2019
Here’s your chance to perform in Simon Stephen’s punchy, spirited, and savagely real 2012 adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 masterpiece A Doll’s House. Nora Helmer is a housewife who doesn’t realise she’s trapped. From the outside, the Helmer household is perfect. But over Christmas 1879, Nora realises that this is not the case. A visit from an old friend, a threat of blackmail, the discovery of a past transgression, and a confession of a secret all jolt Nora “awake.” She comes to her senses, realises she is a prisoner in her own home, and that her husband Torvald is not the man she thought he was. As the walls close in, Nora takes matters into her own hands with shattering consequences. Although the word “feminism” might not have been in Ibsen’s vocabulary, his passionate commentary on 19th century society’s incarceration of women is both astounding and empowering.
I need 5 terrific actors (2 women, 3 men) for the multi-faceted principal characters. They all have their flaws and are painfully realistic – tackling them will be an intense, but extremely rewarding experience. Whether you’re new to the GWT or a familiar face, if you think you’ve got what it takes, then I want to see you! I also need excellent supporting actors to play 2 female members of the household staff and the Helmers’ 3 children. These roles are perfect for little cameos or anyone eager for more onstage experience. It is also worth noting that the children only appear in Act One!
The production will be a visual spectacle; the actors will be dressed in their finery as they navigate the dark, cold skeleton of the Helmer’s “happy home.” Though not overly technical, this production will require an experienced lighting designer to create atmospheric and stylised scheme. However, this is an ideal opportunity for anyone keen to get involved in sound design!
This will be a very special production – I can’t wait to see you all on Sunday 14th July at 2pm.
CHARACTERS AND REQUIREMENTS:
I have set the playing ages are fairly broad so, “age-wise,” casting will be all relative.
Nora – The oppressed housewife who “wakes up” – Late 20s to mid 30s.
Torvald – Her “doting” husband – Late 30s to mid 40s.
Kristine – Nora’s friend from the past and Krogstad’s old flame – Early 30s to 40.
Krogstad – Torvald’s colleague and Nora’s blackmailer – Late 40s to early 50s.
Dr Rank – A family friend, secretly battling disease, secretly in love with Nora – 40s – 50s.
Helene – The Helmers’ maid, who appears throughout – Any age.
Anna – The Helmer children’s nursemaid, who once looked after Nora – 55+
Ivar– Eldest Helmer Child – 8-9 years old. *
Jon – Middle Helmer Child – 7-8 years old. *
Emmy – Youngest Helmer Child – Any age from 0 – 6 (non-speaking). *
* LICENSED CHAPERONES WILL BE NEEDED. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW, COULD FILL THIS ROLE.
AUDITION PIECES
Nora and Torvald:
From p.8 Torvald: ‘Do you know what the defining feature of a swallow is?’ to p.9 Torvald: I think somebody has been eating chocolates again.’
From p. 97 Torvald: ‘You know. Don’t you, what’s written in this letter.’ To p. 98 Torvald: ‘You have ruined my future.’
From p. 103 Torvald: What kind of expression is that?’ to p. 104 Nora: ‘None of it was real in any way.’
Nora and Kristine
From p. 16 Kristine: ‘My mother was ill...’ to p. 17. Kristine: ‘I need something that can make me think.’
Nora and Krogstad
From p. 34 Krogstad: ‘I knew her once’ to p. 35 to Krogstad ‘...your dear old school friend at the same time.’
Kristine and Krogstad
From p. 83 Kristine: ‘If two shipwrecked people can reach out for each other’ to p. 84 Kristine: ‘It’s not.’
Nora and Dr Rank
From p. 60 Rank: ‘I am the most miserable of all my patients’ to p. 61 Rank: ‘Then you will know.’
Nora and Anna (Also audition piece for Helene)
From p. 48 Nora: ‘…How did you cope when you gave your baby away?’ to p. 49 Anna: You will be the most beautiful woman there, Nora.’
Jon and Ivar
From p. 31 Jon: ‘Mummy, I got chased’ to p. 32 Nora: ‘I bet I could find both of you.’
* CHILDREN WILL AUDITION AFTER THE 14TH. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER DETAILS, AND WE WILL FIX A DATE THAT SUITS ALL.
Katie Webster
07592 753966
katiewebster96@yahoo.co.uk
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