Click this link to watch the 2012 Cracknell production of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. https://edu.digitaltheatreplus.com/content/productions/a-dolls-house-digital-theatreTo log in, click the blue “sign on” button enter the following: email/user: spcollege and password: GoTitans1927
GO OVER QUESTIONS AND GRADING CRITERIA BEFORE WATCHING THE FILM!
Grading Criteria
- All your answers must be in your own words, accurately reflect and be supported by specific and detailed descriptions of this 2012 performance of the A Doll’s House.
- Your score for this assignment will reflect the quality and accuracy of all your responses together and not question by question.
- Using any sources beyond those provided, including any other performances of the play, will result in an automatic zero on this assignment.
- Do not repeat the question or include unnecessary padding to your answers.
- Superficial answers that offer little insight or that use few specific examples will be assessed accordingly.
- Answers that rely on generic descriptions of A Doll’s House that could be describing any performance of the play or that describe a different performance of the play from the this 2012 performance of the A Doll’s House will not earn any credit.
- Answers must include detailed descriptions of what is happening on the stage during this 2012 performance of the A Doll’s House, and you must explain how the included detail supports or is related to the point you’re trying to make.
- Here are examples of the kind of descriptions that would not be considered detailed or specific enough to satisfy the grading criteria. Noting that “Nora wears feminine dresses” without including any specific details that describe what the costume actually looked like and how it supported the actor’s performance. Noting that an Morahan’s performance was “animated” or “intense” without including detailed descriptions of what she actually did up on stage. Writing that “the lighting was moody” without including any details about where the lighting was from, how it changed, or the way the actors on the stage interacted with it.
- You MUST include accurate time stamp citations for ALL the examples in your post. Format these citations like this: (01:15:15-01:22:03). Failing to include these citations will result in earning no higher than an incomplete on the assignment.
- When discussing the play, use the word “performance” and NOT the words “movie” or “film.” Film is a completely different form of art with its own history and formal vocabulary.
Step 1
Read through the viewing questions below then, watch the 2011 Cracknell production of A Doll’s House.
Step 2
Answer all questions below. Be sure you’ve thoroughly reviewed the grading criteria above.
- Describe your reaction to the performance. How did what you’ve learned about theater influence how you watched the performance? Integrate at least two detailed examples from the performance in your description.
- Did you find the end surprising? Why do you think Nora made her decision? Explain your thoughts and integrate at least two detailed examples from the performance.
- How did the set design help to support the idea that the characters were living in a dollhouse? Integrate at least three detailed examples from the set design in your answer.
- Describe how Hattie Morahan brings Nora to life through her performance choices. You must use detailed examples from the performance for all the following aspects of her performance through out the entire play.
- Gesture (face, hand, etc.): What actions does Morahan perform that communicate Nora’s emotions and thoughts as they change throughout the play?
- Movement: How does Nora move through set and make use of the props? What do these choices reveal to the audience about Nora’s motions and thoughts as they change throughout the play?
- Vocal dynamics and Cadence/Rhythm: How do changes in Morhan’s volume and cadence communicate Nora’s motions and thoughts as they change throughout the play?
- Intensity: How do changes in Morhan’s intensity communicate Nora’s motions and thoughts as they change throughout the play?
- Describe Nora’s costume from the opening scene, her Tarantella costume in the after party scene, and the costume she changes into at the very last scene and explain how the costumes bring Nora to life and what they reveal to the audience about Nora’s character as she changes throughout the play.
- Why do you think A Doll’s House continues to be a popular play? Explain your thoughts and integrate at least two examples from the performance.
- Choose the statement from the list below that you think offers the best interpretation of A Doll’s House, then write a reasonable and convincing argument in support of your choice. Your argument must be two paragraphs, use specific details from the performance, and discuss Nora, Torvald, and at least one other characters, Kristine, Krogstad, OR Dr. Rank.
- Everyone should learn to think for themselves and endeavor to live an authentic life undeterred by negative social consequence.
- People should be honest with themselves and with others, otherwise respectful and loving relationships are impossible.
- Only those who are able to reject society’s narrow and stifling expectations will ever be able to live a happy or fulfilling life.
- Material success and the acquisition of things can never lead to a happy or fulfilling life and can only lead to disappointment and regret.
