Village Theatre Guild’s 60th season continues with ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’
Suddenly, a knock on the door. Anne Marie, the Helmer household nanny, moves slowly to answer the knock only to find her beloved Nora, returning to her previous residence after a 15-year absence.
Is she joyous to embrace her or does she take offense that Nora has the gumption to return after abandoning her children and husband?
“A Doll’s House, Part 2“ by Lucas Hnath, the Village Theatre Guild’s winter production, has that answer.
As Nora passes through the threshold, many looming questions will be presented with a varied assortment of opinions on the institution of marriage from this play’s characters of Nora, Torvald Helmer, Anne Marie, and Emmy, the Helmer daughter.
While playwright Hnath has crafted a sequel to Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” the particulars of that play are not required to be known to enjoy “A Doll’s House, Part 2.”
Hnath made his Broadway debut with “A Doll’s House, Part 2,“ which concentrates on the meaning of marriage, gender inequality, and basic human rights. The play received eight Tony Award nominations in 2017.
“I selected this play because it is extremely well written and highly compelling, with complex, well-drawn characters,” said Director Cynthia Katz. “The entertaining story includes twists, turns and surprises, and it leaves the audience with a great deal of food for thought. It handles serious subject matter with a light hand and a good touch of humor.”
Judith Laughlin, who portrays Anne Marie, echoes that sentiment.
“The laws of the late 1800s and the attitudes of people in that time definitely give the play a certain slant, but I absolutely think that it was written with a clear 2020s attitude,” Laughlin said. “I think that the questions Nora asks – How do we change and who do we become along the way? – are from today, while everyone around her is reacting from the period.”
The play contains adult language and is written in a contemporary style but embodies the mores of the period as explained by Guy Sullivan who portrays Torvald, Nora’s husband.
“I found it interesting that the sequel to ‘A Doll’s House’ was presented on stage in 2017, 144 years after that play’s original premier of 1871. I was intrigued by the playwright’s use of current language.”
“A Doll’s House, Part 2” delves into Nora’s reflections on whether it is necessary to marry to have a deep connection with someone and to validate that partnership with a legal contract.
Claire Yearman, as Nora, raises the questions of Nora’s desires. “She (Nora) wants the ability to be a complete human being, make decisions for herself and be able to find an equal partnership and truly connect with that person. What is the purpose of marriage? What is the difference being in a relationship and having a partner versus being married?”
Helmer daughter Emmy, played by Kate Schiliro, takes an opposing view with her thoughts on marriage. In her words, “She (Emmy) has a whimsical, idealistic, almost hopeless romantic view on what a marriage ‘should’ look like. I don’t think Emmy’s opinion would change at all if the play were written today.”
All these views come together on the Glen Ellyn Village Theatre Guild stage Jan. 12 to Feb. 3.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., at 2 p.m. Sundays, plus a Saturday matinee Jan. 27.
Tickets are $22 (plus $3 service fee) and can be ordered online at www.villagetheatreguild.org.
The theater is located near the intersection of Butterfield Road and Park Boulevard with free parking available.