Photo Flash: Long Wharf Theatre's A DOLL'S HOUSE

The cast is comprised of Tim Hopper, Mark Nelson, Maegan Pachomski, Linda Powell, Ana Reeder (playing Nora), and Adam Trese. Edelstein, recently nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award as Outstanding Director, will direct the show. The creative team is comprised of Michael Yeargan (sets), Jessica Ford (costumes), Russell H. Champa (lights), David Budries (sound), Lisa Ann Chernoff (stage manager), and James Calleri (casting).

A Doll's House continues Edelstein's exploration of the classics, dusting the cobwebs off, searching for the vibrancy of the work in a context relevant to the modern audience. "I wanted to examine whether this masterpiece, one of the iconic plays of dramatic literature, can comfortably sit in contemporary suburban Connecticut. I believe it can," Edelstein said.

Edelstein believes in the primacy of the writer's work, and as such, has been faithful to Ibsen. "I adapted Ibsen's play in much the same way I adapted Chekhov's Uncle Vanya. I am doing Ibsen's play as he wrote it, except that I am making the language speak able in today's words. Most translations are Victorian and stuffy. I've cut out some of the repetitive beats and simplified some of the overwrought plot points," he said.

Henrik Ibsen wrote the play in 1879 and it immediately caused a groundswell of controversy with its critical depiction of marital life. In fact, Ibsen briefly succumbed to pressure to change the play's famous ending - Nora's choice to leave her family - a decision he later regretted and retracted. "Ibsen's play was written in a very specific social context - late 19th century, pre-feminist, conservative Scandinavian culture. A great deal has changed, but I think the primal relationship between men and women has not. I hope people see the play anew."

For more information about A Doll's House or to buy tickets, visit www.longwharf.org or call 203-787-4282.

A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen, adapted and directed by Gordon Edelstein
April 28 - May 23, 2010
Stage II
Tickets: $35-$65
Performance Schedule: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Box office phone number: 203-787-4282
Website: www.longwharf.org.

T. Charles Erickson