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A Doll's House

Henrik Ibsen author Samuel Adamson editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Samuel French Ltd

Published:17th May '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

A Doll's House cover

This new adaptation celebrates a classic tale of Nora, a sheltered wife who seeks freedom from her stifling marriage. As secrets unfold, her husband's selfishness challenges her quest for self-discovery.

"A Doll's House," reimagined by Samuel Adamson for the 10th anniversary of Southwark Playhouse, breathes new life into Henrik Ibsen's timeless classic. The narrative centers around Nora Helmer, a seemingly delicate and sheltered wife, who embarks on a courageous journey toward independence and self-discovery. As she navigates the constraints of her marriage to Torvald Helmer, the play explores themes of identity, freedom, and societal expectations that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Nora's predicament takes a dramatic turn when she reveals that she has secretly borrowed money to help her husband, a decision made out of love but rooted in naivety. By forging her father's signature, she has placed herself in a precarious situation. The tension escalates when Krogstad, her creditor, discovers her deception and threatens to expose her, putting both her reputation and her marriage at risk. This conflict serves as a catalyst for Nora's awakening, forcing her to confront the reality of her situation and the limitations imposed upon her by society.

The climax of the story unfolds as Torvald learns of Nora's actions. Instead of offering her the support she desperately needs, he prioritizes his own reputation, leaving Nora to grapple with the harsh truth of their relationship. This pivotal moment leads her to make a profound decision about her future, highlighting the struggle for self-actualization in a world that often confines women to traditional roles. Through its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, "A Doll's House" remains a powerful commentary on the quest for personal freedom.

"...Samuel Adamson's new version, [of] A Doll's House re-emerges as a dark fairy-tale able to bring a chill to children of all ages as they sit in the falsely reassuring glow of a twinkling Christmas tree... The inexorable logic of Ibsen's careful plotting remains spellbinding." Robert Shore, Time Out "... the most exciting translator of his generation. [Samuel Adamson's] version is fluent, pointedly modern but never obtrusive." Carole Woddis, What's On "Samuel Adamson's snappy translation adds lethal punch." Rachel Halliburton, Evening Standard"

ISBN: 9780573019517

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

70 pages

New edition