The Liberty Theatre Company’s New Show
BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
The Liberty Theatre Company (TLTC) has proven to be the brightest light in the cultural fabric of Hailey and Sun Valley. The group consistently brings unique, beautiful, disparate and fascinating experiences, from rock shows, karaoke, independent films and Battle of the Bands, to all manner of musical and theater (even musical theater). Their new production, A Doll’s House, Part 2, foretells an explosion beyond the intensity of the prequel written by Henrik Ibsen and first performed in 1879 styled in a ‘dark comedy’ psychological retribution escapade.
The through line of the original play is that of societal expectations. Words, statements, secrets and deeds that skirt the edges of expected etiquette are revealed through the restrictions on social expression. The traditional behavioral roles expected and even demanded at the time may not matter to lead character, Nora. Are we still living in those times? What has changed in how we navigate the rubber maze of reputation, desire and the need to even the score with someone who had the last laugh?
A Doll’s House, Part 2 explores and explodes this conundrum through the interaction of Nora, who did what she was not exactly expected to do to save her husband. The propriety, decorum, and etiquette of the time stifle her ability to explain and own the deeds she felt compelled toward. At the same time she realizes what was expected of her and how that jives with what she can do as a resourceful woman. Needs vs reputation.
Director David Janeski has built an amazing cast, including his wife Allie Janeski, who exemplify the challenges of societal pressure and to some degree takes Nora to task for many of her flagrant transgressions. “So we’ve got people of a varying range of ages, at different places in their lives in this world, and the drama focuses around Nora, who left the household, her husband and three small children, 15 years previously. And now she comes back because she finds she needs their help. Well, well, well.” Janeski intones that last phrase as a taunting interjection with a humorous lilt.
Janeski has skillfully, and with the extraordinary beneficence of The Liberty Theater for allowing rehearsals to take place on set in the theater, forged a psychological revenge of sorts. “I think this play is particularly delicious, because if you’ve ever had that interaction with someone where they put you down, or slight you in some way, and then the next day you think of the perfect thing to say to that person. Well, the characters in our story get that opportunity, and they take full advantage of it. So there’s some comeuppance that is served to our character, Nora.” Touche!
We’re in for an incredible moment, a psycho-social blend of animosity and a deep dive into the sheer art and craft of language, and intention, itself. This is verbal spellcasting and the witchcraft of words. The spell of spelling is the magick of language and this production showcases the magick that weaves between and under their verbal interactions.
Check The Liberty Theater Company’s site for tickets: https://www.libertytheaterhailey.com/events/a-dolls-house
