Oakland University to Present DOLL HOUSE, 2/5-15

What could be more enticing than an opportunity to see the inner workings of someone else's marriage? We're not talking about reality TV, but rather a production of one of the classic plays of world literature.

Oakland University's theatre program will present Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll House," with the opening performance at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, in Varner Studio Theatre on OU's campus. The show depicts a critical time in the marriage of Torvald and Nora Helmer, and in doing so, expresses the then revolutionary concept that a woman is entitled to be her own person and live her own life.

The play's director, Lynnae Lehfeldt, said, "My favorite line from the play is: 'I believe I am a human being, as much as you are -- or at least I'm going to try to become one.'"

In a 1971 review of the play, The New York Times wrote, "It is curious - for society, rather sadly curious - how modern Ibsen's arguments about the suppression of women now seem, nearly 100 years later."

More than 40 years on, the play still makes a profound contribution to any conversation about the role of women in today's society. In fact, the director believes that both men and women will see a little something of their own marriages in the play, especially since it will be staged in the round. Lehfeldt said, "They will feel like they are in the Helmer's living room with them."

The production, which runs through Sunday, Feb. 15, features numerous highlights. Following the Friday, Feb. 6 performance, there will be a talk-back with the designers of the show, which will offer a rare opportunity to discuss a designer's creative process for a theatrical production.

The Saturday, Feb. 7 performance will be platform-interpreted for the Deaf by Synergy on Stage.

After the Sunday, Feb. 8 performance, there will be a talk-back with Valerie Palmer-Mehta, Ph.D., interim director of Oakland University's Women & Gender Studies Program and associate professor in the Department of Communication & Journalism. The public is welcome to attend the talk-back, even if they do not have a ticket for that day's performance.

Maps of OU's campus are available at oakland.edu/map or by searching for "Varner Hall" on a smartphone. Parking is free.

Tickets are $14 general admission, $8 for students, and 10 a.m. for matinee shows. They may be purchased online without service fees at startickets.com or by phone at (800) 585-3737. They can also be purchased at the Varner Box Office on OU's campus.

For more information on Music, Theatre and Dance programs and performances, call (248) 370-2030 or visit oakland.edu/mtd.

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