Movie spotlight
Ibsen's Ghosts
Are we ever honest enough to be unaffected by lies? This is the question asked by Henrik Ibsen's drama Ghosts (Gengangere). Oswald Alving returns from a bohemian existence in Paris to small-town Norway. Encountering people who do not communicate, Oswald responds by becoming ironic and distant. He gradually learns more of the secrets that weigh on his family, as well as those inside himself. His mother, Mrs Alving, welcomes her much-missed son home - and slowly understands what, or whom, he has brought home with him. Together with the young, critically acclaimed choreographer Cina Espejord, she retells Ibsen's play as a ballet. The pair feel the story is suited to dance because both it's inner and outer brutality can be pitted against the power of dance. Ibsen's Ghosts is an evocative production in a modern dance style. Nils Petter Molvær has composed new music, which he performs on-stage together with Jan Bang.
Insights
Plot Summary
This stage production reimagines Henrik Ibsen's classic play 'Ghosts' for a modern audience. It explores themes of inherited trauma, societal hypocrisy, and the burden of secrets within a family. The narrative centers on Helene Alving's attempts to escape her past and protect her son from the legacy of her deceased husband's dissolute life.
Critical Reception
Thomas Ostermeier's production of 'Ghosts' garnered significant attention for its bold reinterpretation of Ibsen's seminal work. Critics lauded the visceral energy and contemporary relevance brought to the timeless themes, praising the cast's intense performances and Ostermeier's directorial vision. It was particularly noted for its ability to resonate with contemporary concerns about truth, responsibility, and the impact of past actions.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its intense and raw performances.
Lauded for its contemporary relevance and sharp direction.
Seen as a powerful, unflinching exploration of family legacy.
Google audience: While specific Google user ratings are not readily available for this theatrical production, reviews generally highlight its provocative nature and strong emotional impact. Audiences often comment on the challenging themes and the powerful delivery by the performers.
Fun Fact
This production is part of the Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz's repertoire, a renowned theater company in Berlin, Germany, known for its innovative and critically acclaimed stagings.
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