More often referred to as Pillars of Society the play was the first of Ibsen's plays to be produced in this country in 1880. It centres around two old friends and a fifteen-year-old scandal that has driven one to America while the other has become the cornerstone of his community and a successful businessman. When the banished friend returns, the whole town is mortified, and the families threatened with condemnation and ruin.T217648001Calamity strikes when Bernick’s business prowess and pristine reputation are threatened by the revelation of a long-buried secret. Desperate to dodge exposure in the kowtowing local community, Bernick devises a pitiless plan which, by a shocking twist of fate, risks the one life he holds dear. The National marks the centenary of Ibsen’s death with a vital new version of this rarely performed thriller, set amid a society struggling against the rush of capitalism, the lure of America and the passionate beginnings of the fight for female emancipation. Running time 2 hrs 50 minsProducer National Theatre. Adapted by Samuel Adamson. Director Marianne Elliott. Design Rae Smith. Lighting Chris Davey. Sound Ian Dickinson. Performer Damian Lewis (Karsten Bernic). Performer Geraldine Alexander (Betty). Performer Brid Brannan (Marta Bernick). Performer Michelle Dockery (Dina Dorf). Performer Michael Gould (Knap). Performer Annabel Leventon (Mrs Rummel). Performer Lesley Manville (Lona Hessell). Performer Pamela Merrick (Mrs Lynge). Performer Paul Moriarty (Aune). Performer Justin Salinger (Hilmar Tonnesen). Performer Una Stubbs (Mrs Holt). Performer Michael Thomas (Rorlund). | |
| 21 Oct 05 to 4 Feb 06 | Lyttelton (National Theatre), West End :: V374 listing details L444852608 |
T1081234498Company Oxford School of Drama. Director Katie Goodwin. | |
| 4 Jun 02 to 8 Jun 02 | Pegasus Theatre, Oxford :: V801 listing details L034990860 |
