Performances 15-20 April 2024 in the auditorium

Directed by Cynthia Marsh

This relatively early play by Ibsen was hugely controversial in its time. Seen as an attack on the institution of marriage, the play tells of a woman’s struggle to free herself from the constraints of being a wife and mother. Written as the issues of female emancipation were being widely discussed, and feared, the play was banned from performance on many European stages. Gradually, its brilliance and relevance to contemporary life was understood. But was the play only about a woman seeking freedom? Norah Helmer has to endure some harsh words and treatment from her husband, and she also finds an admirer in a close family friend.

The play is strong, emotional, melodramatic in parts, and lays bare the suffocating relationship between husband and wife.

The Audition will take place on Tuesday 9th January 2024, 7.30 in the Studio, a 145 years after the play’s conception. I am looking for actors prepared to explore the depths of this raw piece of theatre. The astonishing ending of the action for its period continues to echo down the centuries.

Roles

Nora. Wife to Torvald Helmer. Playing age* late 20’s to mid 30s. A mother, a wife and a daughter. A demanding role ( she is on stage for most of the play) requiring maturity and a willingness to delve deep into herself, and find and show the audience her flaws, and the rationale and inner courage to act in the way she does.

Torvald Helmer. A little older than Nora, playing age mid to late 30s, or even older. Formerly, a not very successful lawyer, recently appointed to a senior banking position. Very much moulded by society’s expectations of the time for a husband and father, with some unpleasant overtones.

Dr Rank. A friend to Torvald and welcomed as a frequent visitor to the family. He is older than Nora and possibly the same age or older than Torvald, but is very different from him. He is reticent and secretive but seductive. Still likes to lead the good life with Torvald while feeling deeply for Nora.

Kristine. Former schoolfriend of Nora. Possibly slightly older, she gives the impression of a maturity gained from bitter experience. She has had a tough life.

Nils Krogstad. A longstanding employee of the bank, of which Torvald has newly been appointed manager. Older than Torvald, Kristine and Nora, he is a money lender on the side who turns blackmailer. He harasses Norah for a mistake she had made in her past. Also a former acquaintance of Kristine.

Anne-Marie. Devoted children’s nanny and household servant. Hard worker. She has a tough history too. A generation older that Nora and Torvald. So mid 40s early 50s.

Torvald and Nora’s children will be heard but not seen in the play.

*Playing age doesn’t mean you have to be that precise age to play the part, but it is important you can give a convincing rendering of the role.

The playtext.

Please note that the text we are using is an adaptation by Samuel Adamson (2003) as well as a translation. It was based on a newly commissioned literal translation into English from the original. You will find it differs from the standard translations into English, published by Penguin or Methuen, for example. I strongly advise you to read the full Ibsen/Adamson text. It is shorter, slicker and uses an up-to-date style of English.

There are two copies of the text at the box office, not to be taken out of the theatre, please. You will find photocopies of the audition pieces, with a master text for each. Please make a fresh photocopy, should all the photocopies in the folder for the roles you require be taken. There is a photocopier in the office at the far end of the bar area. If you are new to the Lace Market Theatre, ask someone to help you. Best to come on a Friday evening or Saturday Lunchtime for this purpose at a point where there is not a performance on.

The audition.

You do not need to learn the roles. It will be fine to read them in the audition. The most important aspect at this stage is to grasp an understanding of the whole play, and the function of the role/s which interest you within the play. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. There will be some group work as part of the process of selection, involving movement and vocals.

And, please do let me know if you have difficulty in reading or if there are any other circumstances which may impede you at the audition. You can contact me here.

Audition pieces

The following extracts will be used in the audition. Page references are to the Ibsen/Adamson text. See reference to available copies above.

1. Nora and Kristine, pp6-7: “My husband is the new manager”….. ”Torvald may be able to help you.”

2. Krogstad and Nora, pp17-19: “Mrs Helmer, I’d like to ask you a favour”……. ”if I am kicked into the gutter again you come with me.”

3. Torvald and Nora, pp20-23: ”Who are you talking to…. “No, not true never.”

4. Anne-Marie and Nora, pp24-25: “ Who’s there?” …. “More beautiful than you, Mrs Nora.”

5. Dr Rank and Nora, pp30-32: “ Dr Rank; no, no in here. Torvald’sbusy.” …. “I could never have a point of view on that.”

6. Krogstad and Kristine, pp42-43: “Thank you for coming”……. “Kristine.”

7. Dr Rank, Nora and Torvald, pp46-49: “ Home at last. Just we two”. …. “You see on top of the world.// Yes.”

8. Nora and Torvald: pp 52-54: “I’ve forgiven you. You don’t realize that, do you?”...... “…everybody thinks it’s so much fun.”

Please contact me if anything is not clear here.