In 1870s Norway, Nora Helmer struggles to be her own person within her marriage and a society that limits the opportunities of women. When decisions made to protect her husband come back to haunt her, Nora must fight for her family and for her own place in the world.
Since its first theatrical run, in which every performance was sold out, A Doll's House has inspired admiration, controversy, and discussion. First published by Ibsen in 1879 in Danish, the official language of Danish-ruled Norway, A Doll's House sold out its first two printings within months. It first premiered at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen within a month of publication, and the play was performed in Germany in 1880 and London in 1884.
Initial translations changed the play, particularly the ending, to be more sympathetic and acceptable. Ibsen considered these changes to be a "barbaric outrage." It wouldn't be until 1889 that the play was performed as written in London and Broadway.
Ibsen's work pioneered realistic depictions of middle class families and social themes. He claimed that he didn't have feminist intentions in the writing of A Doll's House, instead aiming for "the description of humanity," but the play is widely considered an essential feminist work and has had a real lasting impact: as recently as 2006, it was the most performed play in the world.
A cornerstone of modern drama, A Doll's House remains as provocative today as when it premiered. Ibsen's spare, incisive dialogue and his refusal to offer easy answers make Nora's journey toward self-discovery a compelling read for anyone interested in the tension between individual identity and social expectation.
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