Act 1/Opening Scenes of A Doll's House

Today we began to watch the 1973 version of A Doll's House starring Claire Bloom and Anthony Hopkins and to discuss Ibsen's play.  We focused on the main characters (Nora, Helmer, Mrs. Linde, Krogstad, and Dr. Rank).  I provided some historical context and introduced the concept of presentism, "an attitude towards the past dominated by present-day attitudes and experiences" (Merriam-Webster). 

For Friday, I would like you to finish up Act 1 and continue to Act 2.  If you don't have the book yet, here is a link to an online version of the play: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2542/2542-h/2542-h.htm

Here are some questions to respond to.  Some are based on our reading; others are based on class discussion.  I might as well start with the obvious one although we have so much to discuss.

In a recent version of A Doll's House (see above), Afro-British actor Steve Toussaint plays the role of Dr. Rank.  How might this casting choice affect your understanding of the play and Dr. Rank as a character?  How might it affect your understanding of Dr. Rank and Nora's relationship?  Why do you think that director Carrie Cracknell might have chosen to cast Mr. Toussaint as Dr. Rank?  If you would like more information on this topic, here is the NY Times review of this production: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/28/theater/a-dolls-house-with-hattie-morahans-frantic-nora.html  As this was originally a British production, I am adding a link to the Guardian's review: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/jul/10/dolls-house-young-vic-review  I'll include an interview with Mr. Toussaint: http://www.westendframe.com/2014/01/interview-steve-toussaint.html
 Here are some trailers from this production: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPf5M1m69aA  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOuFocD10hU&t=1s

Let's move on!

Now that you've had a chance to see some of the film version, what does it add to your reading of the play?  What does it take away?  Consider the differences between a film and a play.

How does the historical context that I've provided help you understand the play more?

Why is it worth reading and watching A Doll's House in 2018?

Now that you've had a chance to watch the play, what does it add to your understanding of the characters and their relationships?

Now that you've had a chance to watch the play, what does it add to your understanding of the setting?

Discuss the images from other productions below.  What do they tell us about Nora and Helmer?  about the state of their marriage in Act 1?  about the scene where Nora practices the tarantella?

Choose a scene or interaction from A Doll's House.  How does it shed light on the play?  on Nora and her relationships with others?  on Nora and her dilemma/issues? 

How does Act 1 lay a foundation for the play?

How does Act 2 build on Act 1's foundation?

I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing what you have to say!