Local students help produce 'A Doll’s House' at ESU
MILFORD — The East Stroudsburg University Theatre Department will present the 1879 Henrik Ibsen play "A Doll’s House," a masterpiece that sent shockwaves throughout the world because it dared to question the traditional roles of men and women in society.
Two student designers —a scenic designer Emma McDonough, a senior from Matamoros majoring in technical theater and creative writing, and lighting designer Nicole Seul, a senior from Milford majoring in technical theater — did extensive research on the period of the drama to create the precise atmosphere needed to enhance the staging.
“I needed to have the right hues for the lights,” Seul said. “I needed to do a lot of script analysis to be sure that the lighting conveys the emotions of the scenes, and also delineates the different spaces that are a part of the stage design.”
McDonough’s task was to pare down the elements to the essentials because the director wanted to take a more minimalistic approach to the scenery. Only pieces relevant to the action are used in the production.
“Overall, there is a feeling of claustrophobia to the space,” Seul said.
Both student designers agreed that the play resonated with them since they are women who plan to work in technical theatre, an area that is predominately male.
“The message of “A Doll’s House’ is still relevant, because many groups of people are still fighting to be treated equally,” Seul said.
The production team also includes technical director Christopher Domanski, associate professor of theatre, guest costume designer Fan Zhang, and guest choreographer Tara Coyle.
The play will be performed through April 22 in the Smith McFarland Theatre of the Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg.
Curtain times are 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. on April 22. General admission is $12; senior citizens, faculty and staff, with ID, are $10; students with ID are $7; and youth, 13 and under, are $5.
Tickets are available online in advance at esu.edu/theatretickets (credit cards only online).
Remaining tickets are available at the box office one hour before curtain on performance dates (cash and checks only at the box office).
For information or reservations, email esuarts@esu.edu or call 570-422-3483.