Liv Ullmann To Direct Own Translation Of DOLLS HOUSE On Broadway?

[Jordan Catalano]

Da Link

[Dollypop]

Sweet God in Heaven, no!

[bobs3]

Having seen Janet McTeer play Nora magnificently in 1996? 1997? I cannot imagine any other actress in this role.

[ACL2006]

no thanks.

[AC126748]

Having seen Janet McTeer play Nora magnificently in 1996? 1997? I cannot imagine any other actress in this role.


Okay then, don't go. Others who didn't see McTeer play Nora, or who are interested in seeing more than one interpretation of a role, will.

[dreaming]

Cate Blanchett might be incredible in this role-and it would be her Broadway debut (no idea if she's interested and/or available, but I think she'd be great). I'd definitely see it. I did not see McTeer play the role so I have no basis for comparison. And Ullman's translation might bring something new to the table.

Nice to see some open minds here.

[henrikegerman]

I saw McTeer as Nora and Jan Maxwell equally brillaint as Christine in 1997 as well. Beautiful production, but so what? I'm looking forward to this immensely especially because Ullmann's Streetcar was so memorable.

Liv, for your consideration:
Chloe Sevigny as Nora, Alexander Skarsgard as Torvald, Jenny Bacon as Christine

[bobs3]

Alexander Skarsgard as Torvald? Never would have thought of him but it could work.

[darquegk]

The new Doll's House translation better be a good one. I acknowledge the play's influential and important reputation, but if it's not done completely well, it can feel melodramatic and soap-opera-ish, almost campy even.

[dreaming]

I'm not too concerned about that, darquegk. The material is safe in Liv Ullman's hands I think. She's a brilliant interpreter of his work so I'm sure it will be very good.

[EricMontreal22]

I was just going to post--why was everyone so against this in the initial posts? What am I missing? It struck me as intriguing...

[Playbilly]

I don't get the hostility. Could be a great peoduction.

[henrikegerman]

It does seem strange. It makes no sense that one of the world's most beloved plays shouldn't be revived every 16 years on Broadway. And it makes no sense that it shouldn't be helmed by one of the most intelligent and creative people working in the theater who also happens to be one of the world's greatest actresses? Maybe it's just that people like to k'vetch.

[Jordan Catalano]

Well Ullmann and Blanchett have a relationship when it comes to theater so the idea of her doing this isn't out of the box at all and would certainly be what would be needed to get an audience for another revival of the show.

[dreaming]

Jordan-That was why I mentioned Blanchett. I would hardly be shocked if she starred in the production. And I think she'd be amazing. (About time she made her proper Broadway debut!)

[EricMontreal22]

It would depend on the length of the run, right? Wasn't that an issue about why Cate's Streetcar didn't transfer--?

[Jordan Catalano]

It had to do with prior commitments in her schedule so clearing all up front would obviously allow her to do it.

[Playbilly]

Hard to expect this to be an open run. It is A DOLL HOUSE after all. Maybe Cate or another big name could a limited.(neurotic pet peeve -- the translation I admire doesn't use "'s". Please indulge me.)

[EricMontreal22]

I'm used to knowing it as A Doll House as well. Yeah, I guess a limited engagement would be the only real option. I know Cate also is heavily involved with being an artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company and has stated she doesn't like to uproot her family, but surely they can do without her for 6 weeks...

[Jordan Catalano]

Shes been gone from Sydney for longer than a few months before with shows so doing a very limited run on broadway instead of a tour doesn't seem out of the question.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

What's wrong with Ullman directing this?
I'd be interested to see what she can bring to the table. Wouldn't mind seeing Jessica Chastain as Nora, though of course Cate Blanchett seems like a natural choice.

[goldenboy]

Is it a musical because I never miss a Liv Ullman musical.
I remember Liv (Mama)

[EricMontreal22]

YES! finally a the long waited prequel musical to A Doll's Life.

[sinister teashop]

Blanchett's performance as Hedda was not good. Neither was the production. Missed her in Vanya and Streetcar. I suspect she was better in those. The McTeer production was very good but very much about performances... good performances since the characters came alive but the shape of the play receded into the background so much it almost got lost. The best production I've seen was Ingmar Bergman's at BAM. No star performing Nora (at least not for American audiences) and the play took center stage in all its complexity and power.