Riveting performances anchor Between the Lines Studio Theatres thoughtful and compelling production of "A Doll's House, Part 2" through May 22 at its new theater space at 725 N. 15th St.
"A Doll's House, Part 2" creatively imagines what happened after the final scene in Henrik Ibsens classic 1879 play "A Dolls House," in which Nora Helmer makes the decision to leave her husband and children, and begin a life on her own.
In this irreverent yet respectful sequel written by Lucas Hnath, 15 years have passed since Noras exit and she has become a successful novelist, who draws on her own unhappy marriage to inspire other women to ask themselves if the lives they lead are truly fulfilling.
Rachel Williams Nora is bracingly self-possessed and clear-minded. She has found happiness in her new life and believes women and love should not be defined or limited by marriage. Williams imbues the character with an intensity, as well as a certain poignancy.
You do not have to see Ibsens play to appreciate this one, although there are themes that tie the two plays together. Nimbly directed by Eric Hersh, the 90-minute single-act play stands perfectly well on its own.
In Ibsens play, Nora is blackmailed for illegally signing papers to get a bank loan that would help her restore her husbands health. In this play, Nora is proud that her writing has led women to divorce their husbands, but a judge, whose wife left him, has learned Noras real name and discovered that Torvald never divorced her, making her activities illegal.
Now the judge is threatening to destroy the independent life she has built for herself, and she has returned to ask Torvald to file for divorce.
However Torvald, played with barely controlled anger and passion by William Alexander Jr., unexpectedly balks at divorcing his long-lost wife. Alexander makes Torvalds raw anguish palpable as he faces the final dissolution of his marriage.
Genia Miller is an enjoyably stubborn and salty Anne Marie, the nanny who gave up her own child to raise Noras children. She is understandably defensive about the sacrifices she has had to make and is thrown into confusion by Noras return.
Noras daughter Emmy is a more modern iteration of her mother and is played with poise and intelligence by Bryanna Pye. She is apologetically sure of herself and happy in her life and has her own beliefs on marriage which dont necessarily match her mothers.
The talented cast spar with each other as they air their grievances and bring this fascinating piece of theater to life.
The fairly minimal set allows the focus to be on the crisp dialogue which mines some humor from the awkwardness of the situations. The new black box theater space which is being used for the first time, is a perfect foil for the vibrant back and forth of the actors.
The costumes are period but the language is contemporary making this interesting play very accessible.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. May 14, 20 and 21; and 2 p.m. May 15 and 22.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and students.
For information, go to www.onthestage.tickets/show/between-the-lines-studio-theatre.