Bridgewater College theatre to present sequel of Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’

Theatre at Bridgewater College will present “A Doll’s House, Part 2” by Lucas Hnath from Wednesday, February 19, through Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Each performance will be held in Cole Hall on the college’s campus.

Hnath’s play continues the storyline of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” which premiered in 1879 and follows Nora Helmer’s search for self-discovery in a male-dominated world. In the final scene of Ibsen’s play, Nora makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children and begin a life on her own.

In “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” many years have passed since Nora’s exit. A knock comes at that same door. Nora has returned, and questions arise as to why and what her return will mean for anyone she left behind.

Laine Anthony ’27, a strategic communications major from Beaverdam, Virginia, will portray Nora, Malachi Benjamin ’27, a theatre major from District Heights, Md., will portray Torvald. Catelyn York ’28, a theatre major from Mount Sidney, will bring Anne Marie to the stage. Acacia Scott ’27, a theatre major from Louisa, will portray Emmy.

Working with the production, Elizabeth Melton ’25, a global studies major from Middlesboro, Kentucky, is the stage director. Allie Jansen ’26, a history and political science major from Midlothian, is the dramaturge. Maria Gavriilidou ’26, a digital media arts major from Thessaloniki, Greece, is the house manager and poster and program designer.

“A Doll’s House, Part 2” is directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Dr. Scott Cole. Adjunct Instructor in Theatre Shannon Dove is the set designer and providing technical direction, and fellow Adjunct Instructor in Theatre Holly Labbe is the costume designer.

The production is open to the public, although it is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are $10 per adult, $8 per seniors ages 65 and older and non-BC students, and free for BC students, faculty and staff.

Founded in 1880, Bridgewater College is a private, four-year liberal arts college in the Central Shenandoah Valley. Bridgewater College is home to approximately 1,450 students pursuing degrees in more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors and four graduate programs housed within three distinct schools.