Ibsen’s Aftermath

at The Rose Lipman Building

Can’t get enough of Ibsen and Scandi theatre? You’ve come to the right place. This November, [Foreign Affairs] presents the world premiere of The Helmer Project, a powerful double-bill of Scandinavian drama that manages to connect and interact though written over 100 years apart. Henrik Ibsen’s powerhouse classic A Doll’s House (1879) will be followed by Jakob Weis’ intense modern day sequel Helmer Hardcore (2007) dealing with the aftermath of the events in A Doll’s House. Where old meets new something spectacular is bound to happen, enriching both plays in terms of context and modern day relevance.

A Doll’s House shook the theatrical world when it premiered over 100 years ago. When a long-held secret is suddenly revealed, everything Nora though she held dear begins to crumble around her – including her marriage. The play explores the roles that society imposes on women and this new translation serves to underline just how relevant Ibsen’s work remains today.

Helmer Hardcore is set in the present day and takes place in the Helmer family bathroom the day after the events of A Doll’s House. Through the perspective of Torvald, Nora’s husband, this companion piece considers modern masculinity and social identity. The Helmer Project’s juxtaposition of old and new serves to enhance enrich both plays, illuminating their context and emphasising their present-day resonance.

Incidentally, the productions’ venue, the Rose Lipman Building in East London, required special adaptation to accommodate the staging, including the addition of what may be the world’s first Kickstarter-funded loo…

Where:

The Rose Lipman Building, 43 De Beauvoir Rd, N1 5SQ London

 

Website:

foreignaffairs.org.uk

When:

4 – 22 November

 

Tickets:

ticketsource.co.uk

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