IBSEN’s ‘The Lady From The Sea’
Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich
Don’t be late for this play
Ken Hulme: Evening News: Sept 29th, 2000
In The Lady From The Sea which opened last night at the Maddermarket Theatre, Henrik Ibsen breaks away from his familiar theme of tragedy to offer a piece which manages to be quite light-hearted at times and which ends in a manner that will send audiences away feeling satisfied.
A play about the difficulties of choice, it is always serious in intent yet never gloomy nor tinged with sadness.
It is trite to say they don’t write plays like this today, but true, nevertheless.
Under Clare Goddard’s direction it is not only the delivery of lines that brings out the argument.
So much of the developing relationship between characters is portrayed simply by glance or gesture.
Tortured Ellida, for instance, looks ever more strained as the time for her decision approaches.
As the pace quickens in the second act, we feel for Wangle as he wears himself frantic with worry.
Meanwhile, his loving daughters and their suitors add delightful charm to relieve the tension.
It is classic theatre, passionately performed and not, these days, frequently staged.
Well worth a visit, therefore, but take your seats early for there is a surprising opening which you should not miss.
