It may have been almost a century since A Doll's House by Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) sparked heated discussions in China about the role of women in a fast-changing society, but theater director Wang Huan believes the production remains germane in today's context.
"The social reality has changed, but the issues discussed in the play are still highly relevant, from familial roles to ethical values," says Wang, who directed the third round of the play. "I want today's audience to see that it isn't just Nora the heroine, but everyone in the play, who has shackles cast on them."
The play is on at the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre from Friday to Sunday. The center's rendition of the play premiered in 2019.
"I want to present the story of all the six characters, and highlight the connections between them," Wang adds. "For example, you might see the character Christine Linde as the independent woman Nora could have become, and notice the difficult situation she is in and the choices she makes."
