Nov. 1, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The GRCC Players will reopen a famously shut door with their production of “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” next month.
Lucas Hnath’s “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” picks up years after the events of Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” written in 1879. The original story ended with Nora Helmer deciding to leave her husband and children, slamming the door on everything in her life. “Part 2” starts with a knock on the door and the return of Nora.
The play runs at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 through 12 at Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. A live audio description for the blind or visually impaired will be provided at the Nov. 11 performance. Those who require a headset should reserve it when purchasing tickets. Tickets, which can be purchased online, are $5 for students, $10 for GRCC faculty and staff, and $14 for the public. For more information, call (616) 234-3387.
Adjunct instructor Jason Flannery directs the play and notes that audience members don’t have to be familiar with Ibsen’s original in order to appreciate Hnath’s sequel, which he calls “a modern play for a modern audience.”
“The script is very straightforward, with no distractions from the characters and the difficult conversations they’re having on relationships, society, sexism, philosophy and autonomy,” Flannery said.
“This show scrutinizes our values, asking us what truly has meaning to us – be it our independence, our legacy, our duties or our chosen relationships. It’s a play where viewpoints clash, but no character is wrong for thinking the way they do.”
Student Lila Sweet will portray Nora, with Jase Harris as Torvald. Jac Hulst is Anne Marie, and Joanna Kwantes portrays Emmy.
