A Doll’s House, Part 2 returns to Vancouver in Pacific Theatre presentation, February 5 to 23
Western Gold Theatre production explores the aftermath of Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play A Doll’s House
Melissa Oei (left) and Tom McBeath in Western Gold Theatre’s A Doll’s House, Part 2.
Pacific Theatre presents Western Gold Theatre’s A Doll’s House, Part 2 from February 5 to 23
PLAYWRIGHT LUCAS HNATH’S A Doll’s House, Part 2 picks up where Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play A Doll’s House famously left off: with the slam of a door.
The original story follows a woman named Nora Helmer, who’s a wife to bank lawyer Torvald and a mother to their three children. Gender roles run rampant as Nora must put on a constant show of flattery and naivety for her condescending husband, all while hiding the years-old secret that she committed bank fraud to save his life when he was ill. When harsh truths are inevitably unveiled, the play ends with Nora walking out on her dysfunctional marriage and leaving her family behind, choosing to value independence above all else. But there remains a lingering curiosity as to what might have happened next for the heroine.
In November 2023, Western Gold Theatre staged A Doll’s House, Part 2, giving Vancouver audiences a chance to satisfy all those what-ifs. Now, the production is returning to the city, this time in a presentation at Pacific Theatre from February 5 to 23. The venue’s unique alley-style stage is in the middle of the room with seats on either side, allowing for an intimate view of the Helmer home set.
A Doll’s House, Part 2 takes place 15 years after Nora’s departure; she returns home to confront Torvald, her adult daughter Emmy, and their old nursemaid Anne Marie. Directed by Seamus Fera, the play continues Ibsen’s exploration of gender roles through a modern lens.
In our review of the production at Western Gold, Stir described it as “an energized, stripped-down staging of Hnath’s script”, noting that “the talented cast sustains a grounded momentum throughout”. At Pacific Theatre, those same cast members will resume their roles once more: there’s Melissa Oei as Nora, Tom McBeath as Torvald, Tebo Nzeku as Emmy, and Tanja Dixon-Warren as Anne Marie.
A couple exciting showings are in store. After the matinee on February 8 is Theatre Club, a special panel discussion about the production facilitated by Lance Odegard. And on February 12, it’s Wine Wednesday; audience members get a glass of Mt. Boucherie wine and a pre-show chat with wine expert-in-residence Nelson Boschman. 
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