UTC Theatre Company opens season with "A Doll's House, Part 2,"a modern sequel to the classic play. TUESDAY
‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ reveals what happens after Nora walks out in Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Theatre Company will open its 2018-19 season with “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” a modern sequel to Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “A Doll’s House.”
This sequel is written by Lucas Hnath, picking up where “A Doll’s House” left off to explore the fate of Nora, one of dramatic literature’s most infamous protagonists. UTC will present six performances of “A Doll’s House, Part 2” between Oct. 2 and 6.
Ibsen’s 1879 play was banned and judged as immoral because of its depiction of a woman walking out of a marriage and away from her children. Nora’s return after 15 years is the launching point for “A Doll’s House, Part 2.” Hnath’s use of contemporary language sets up a dark comedy that invites the audience to ponder similarities between then and now.
“A Doll’s House, Part 2” is the first production for new faculty members and designers Jeff Davis and Chalise Ludlow. Davis and Ludlow joined the UTC Theatre Division in August, and set to work crafting this modern piece with classic elements. Ludlow is the costume designer and Davis is the lighting designer and technical director.
“There is a juxtaposition of the classical elements of ‘A Doll’s House, Part 2’ with the modernity of attitude and interpretation both from the playwright and the performer,” says Davis. “The continuing struggle for equality and support between genders seems to be timeless. The use of technology and strong lighting in this production will hopefully support that idea.”
Adding to the list of “firsts” associated with “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” this season marks the inaugural award of the Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre Scholarship. Named for the well-known former UTC faculty member, this new scholarship will be presented to deserving theater students at UTC.
Senior Brianna Jones, who plays the lead role of Nora in “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” is the first recipient of this scholarship. The cast also includes Alexander Walker, Bailey Braden and Samantha Burns.
In addition to Ludlow and Davis, the creative team for this play includes Gaye Jeffers, director, and Adam Miecielica, set design.
Audiences are advised that “A Doll’s House, Part 2” contains adult language.
Tickets can be purchased at the UTC Fine Arts Center box office, by phone at 423-425-4269 or online at www.utc.edu/theatre.