IRT answers a knock on the door in A Doll’s House, Part 2

Indiana Repertory Theatre answers a knock on the door in A Doll’s House, Part 2
Self-sufficient sequel explores social issues with humor, strength and modern flair
 
Indianapolis, Ind.—This spring, the Indiana Repertory Theatre will produce the Indiana premiere of one of the most produced shows across the country, Lucas Hnath’s A Doll’s House, Part 2. Straight from Broadway, this scaldingly funny and deadly serious exploration of divorce, family and lost love will be directed by IRT’s playwright-in-residence James Still and run March 12 - April 7 on the OneAmerica Mainstage.

The inspiration for playwright Lucas Hnath’s work is Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 A Doll’s House, a revered, controversial and groundbreaking play focused on feminism, marriage, and societal expectations—themes which continue in Part 2 and are still relevant today, 140 years after the original was written.

“The reason A Doll’s House, Part 2 is one of the most produced shows this year and in the coming years is because of what it has to say about gender, human rights, about families, about expectations of marriage, about freedom or lack thereof,” IRT’s Executive Artistic Director Janet Allen said. “Those are the things that make the story so important both today and in 1870s with Ibsen’s original work.”

Ibsen’s version ends with the “slam heard around the world” as the main character Nora leaves behind her domestic life in pursuit of identity and independence, and A Doll’s House, Part 2 starts with a knock at that same door 15 years later. What happens throughout the play is a fierce and funny five-round boxing match as the characters explore and engage their feelings and each other during an unexpected reunion.

“The fuel of this play is engagement against all odds. These characters are using whatever works to figure out what’s next for them, and they do it without self-reverence, with humor and modern-day vernaculars,” Director James Still said. “Hnath doesn’t shy away from the thorny connection between choices and consequences, but somehow he manages to tinge his play with infectious glee.”

An expertly crafted production that does not require its original to exist wholly on its own, A Doll’s House, Part 2 weaves together humor, modern language, conflict, and social issues for a theatrical experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Come see what Nora needs after 15 years of living independently from her family in A Doll’s House, Part 2. Tickets now available!  

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  March 12 - April 7, various times. A Doll’s House, Part 2 is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com. 

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:

TRACY MICHELLE ARNOLD | Nora
BECCA BROWN | Emmy
NATHAN HOSNER | Torvald
KIM STAUNTON | Anne Marie

JAMES STILL | Director
ANN SHEFFIELD | Scenic Design
ALEX JAEGER | Costume Design
MICHELLE HABECK | Lighting Design
TOM HORAN | Sound Design

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Friday, March 15, 2019 | Performance at 7:30 PM | Opening Night
Raise a glass and salute the cast at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, the marquee lights shine bright as you’re treated to a champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres, and invited to a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans.

Thursday, March 21, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM | Cookies & Coffee
Cookies and coffee will satisfy your sweet tooth, and our production will leave you wanting more! Luckily, you can have a sweet experience at the IRT’s Cookie and Coffee matinee where cookies, coffee and tea can be enjoyed before the 2 PM performance.

Sunday, March 24, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM | IRTea Talk
After the performance enjoy tea, cookies and coffee while engaging in a post-show discussion with IRT actors, cast and guests.

Sunday, March 24, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM | ASL/AD
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility.

Thursday, March 28, 2019 | Following the 7:30 PM performance | Backstage Tour
Immediately following this performance, join IRT staff for an explorative and informative backstage tour. Tours typically last 30 minutes.

Saturday, March 30, 2019 | Performance at 4 PM | Post-Show Discussion
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 | Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM | Performance at 6:30 PM | Happy Hour
Imbibe like a local at IRT’s Happy Hour! Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM, an hour before the performance. Sip on local libations and then nosh on mouth-watering nibbles.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019  |  Performance at 7:30 PM | Post-Show Discussion
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Marketing Communications Manager at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824

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ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

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