MFA Student Directs Ibsen Classic A Doll’s House in Studio 404

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The cast of A Doll’s House after rehearsal. Back: Kyle Smiley, Jason Shipman, Colin Bennett, Beau Hunter Eaves. Front: Rebecca Francis, Whitney Dodson, Whitney Wasson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s masterpiece A Doll’s House will be performed this week by a cast of graduate and undergraduate drama students under the direction of first year master of fine arts directing candidate Kholoud Sawaf,

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, through Saturday, April 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7, in Studio 404, room 404 in Kimpel Hall.

The story follows Nora, a housewife searching for equality with her husband while facing the confining societal expectations of marriage. Known by many as the first feminist play, the production caused riots at its 1879 premiere. The themes of domestic revolution and self-liberation in Nora’s examination of her upbringing, her marriage and herself became part of a larger philosophical movement as Ibsen introduced to the world a break from the melodrama of nineteenth century theater.

Sawaf, a native of Syria, said the play’s theme was a “perfect fit” for relating to an international audience. Along with connecting to audiences in the U.S., the subject of the play resonates deeply with Sawaf because the issues experienced by Nora remain a major issue in Syria, where women still face dangerous consequences for any resistance to an unhappy marriage.

Ibsen did not consider the play "feminist", but "humanist," according to Michael Landman, head of the master of fine arts directing program and faculty adviser to Sawaf. Ibsen sought throughout his career to deal with the ethical and social pressures of society against individuals, universal themes that are still relevant to audiences today.

"All of [Ibsen’s] plays explore individuals struggling against societal norms and morals," said Landman.

The cast includes Whitney Dodson as Nora Helmer, Jason Shipman as Torvold Helmer, Kyle Smiley as Dr. Rank, Whitney Wasson as Mrs. Linde, Colin Bennett as Nils Krogstad, Rebecca Francis as Anna Marie, and Beau Hunter Eaves as Delivery Boy.

Studio 404 is a small venue used by the department of drama a few times each year for smaller productions, including exploratory projects by students. The space allows them to develop specific skills like communicating with actors. Sawaf has directed plays in Syria and during her undergraduate study at the American University of Sharjah, but this is her first production since moving to the United States in August.

The event is free and open to the public with first come, first served seating available for around 75 people. Doors will open 30 minutes before each performance.