Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" has long been considered one of the first feminist plays, and Ibsen caused quite a stir when the play was first performed. Rebecca Gilman has tried her hand at adapting Ibsen's controversial play and may cause quite a stir herself.
"Dollhouse" takes place in a Lincoln Park townhouse, where Nora (Maggie Siff) lives with her husband Terry (Anthony Starke) and their three children. Their idyllic life in their beautiful home is threatened by a secret loan that Nora took several years ago. When Nora's old friend Kristine (Elizabeth Rich) appears, we discover that the loan paid for Terry's drug rehab and their condo down payment. Many other secrets are disclosed throughout the play involving Raj Patel (Firdous Bamji), a college classmate, and Dr. Pete (Lance Stuart Baker), Nora and Terry's best friend.
Gilman has updated Ibsen's play to December 2004. The opulent life that Nora and Terry lead is the trap that they have set for themselves. Nora's overspending, combined with Terry's complete distrust of her, has put a strain on their marriage. Money and power over it are at the center of Gilman's play. She even uses the monetary theme to illustrate a life and death scenario; while Raj Patel fights for his financial life by trying to get a loan to keep his stem-cell research company alive, Dr. Pete consumes his anti-rejection drugs (post-liver transplant). While Gilman veers from the original play's ending, her choice makes sense given the addiction we have to our possessions and our lifestyles. Terry's increasingly cruel barbs at Nora build to an inevitable climax.
Robert Falls' production is taut and engrossing. The performances are top-notch, particularly Maggie Siff as Nora and Anthony Starke as Terry. As Dr. Pete, Lance Stuart Baker delivers a stellar performance in his final scene, a summation of his years of anger and frustration. He has nothing to lose in the scene, and he plays it brilliantly.
A warning: "Dollhouse" is the kind of play that could cause a difference of opinion with your significant other. Its message strongly resonates in today's society. If you are a fan of Ibsen or Rebecca Gillman's work, or just enjoy a well acted, well directed drama, don't miss it.
At Goodman Theatre; 170 N. Dearborn; (312) 443-3800; $20-$60. Through July 24; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
