'A Doll's House' running now at local drama center

The classic Henrik Ibsen play “A Doll’s House” is being staged at Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center. The three-act drama examining the relationship between men and women runs through January 5.

The play centers on an ordinary 19th-century Norwegian family: Torvald Helmer, a newly promoted bank manager, and his wife Nora.

Set in a well-furnished home, the play opens on Christmas Eve. Kristine Linde, Nora’s old school friend, visits her. During their conversation, Nora tells Kristine a secret that she forged her dead father's signature in order to illegally obtain a loan needed to save her husband’s life.

The man who collects the debt payments is Nils Krogstad. He was once Helmer’s colleague but was fired by Helmer after his promotion. Krogstad then blackmails Nora. What follows is a drama that upends the family's seemingly normal life.

Although the play was written over 100 years ago, its denunciation of male dominated society and support for female independence still endure.

“I don’t think Ibsen intended to write a feminist play,” said Wang Huan, director of the play. “I focus on people’s growth and self-consciousness in their marriage. This version of ‘A Doll’s House’ is contemporary and of Chinese style.”

Performance info

Date: Through January 5, 7:30pm (Tuesday-Saturday), 2pm (Sunday)
Tickets: 180-380 yuan
Tel: 6473-0123
Venue: Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center
Address: 288 Anfu Rd