Loose Leaf Notes

-The following first appeared in The Floyd Press on December 15, 2016 

When Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll’s House, was first performed in Denmark in 1879, it was considered controversial.  Audiences reacted to the play’s conclusion with so much outrage that the playwright wrote an alternate ending.  

At the Floyd Community Theatre Guild’s opening night performance of the play, December 9th at the June Bug Center, the play’s director, Emily Gruver, explained that the play deals with societal issues that were prevalent during the time.

“It’s different than other plays that the Theatre Guild has taken on, more dramatic,” she said.  “But keep an open mind for modern day. There are still some of these issues going on in the world today.  This isn’t a performance we want you to just sit and watch. We want you to keep having a conversation.”

Set in the Helmer household on Christmas Eve, the play is based on a true story. The 1800’s holiday-decorated set and costumes are a highlight of the Floyd production, which portrays tension in the Helmer household and secrets that come to light. 

Lead actors that give emotional performances are – Heather Simpson as Nora Helmer, Gray Miley as Torvald Helmer and Jay Huckle as Nils Krogstad.   Emily Williams plays Nora’s friend Kristine Linde and Casey Worley is Dr. Rank.  Sisters Lily Anderson, Sunny Anderson, and Clementine Anderson play the Helmer’s children, and Dillon Wright plays the duel role of the family maid and nanny.

“It’s a complex play and the actors have only had a month to rehearse. They have done a fabulous and professional job,” Gruver said, while thanking all those involved in the production.

Note: Upcoming play dates for A Doll’s House are 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday, December 16 and 17 and Sunday, December 18^th at 2:00 pm.

Photos:  1. Nora Helmer, played by Heather Simpson, introduces her friend Kristine Linde (Emily Williams) to Dr. Rank (Casey Worley).  2. The Helmer children, Lily, Sunny and Clementine Anderson return home after playing in the snow with their nanny, played by Dillon Wright.

3. Nora decorates the Christmas tree as her banker husband does some work.  4. The trouble begins with a secret loan made to Nora Helmer (Simpson) by Nils Krogstad (Jay Huckle) 5. A scene from the emotional conclusion, performed from the playwrights original ending. 6. The cast takes a bow.