A Doll's House Rehearsal Log - 25th November

Group Members: 

Alicia - Nora Helmer 

Deacon - Nils Krogstad 

Initial Ideas On How To Stage The Scene 

After reading through the duologue, it is clear that Krogstad and Nora do not have a friendly relationship. Nora throughout the majority of the piece is very weary and even afraid of Krogstad and the power that he holds over her, while Krogstad is trying his best to dominate the situation to give the impression that he is in control and can do whatever he wants. 

To show the hostility and tense nature between the two characters, I thought it might be best to keep each character in the social space of their proxemics; this not only highlights that the two are not on good terms, but it can also show Krogstad's unwillingness to out right threaten and overpower Nora as he doesn't really want to do this. 

In terms of furniture on the stage, I feel that it is not really required. I feel that if one of the characters sits down, it could break the tension and power balance within the scene and might take away from many of the subtle actions of the characters. 

What Interests Me About This Scene

I find the character of Krogstad to be very interesting, he is a man who wishes to restore his reputation more than anything else. He has many reasons for doing this but his main reason appears to be for his children. He is a man that goes against the gender normalities of the period, he was left by his partner and was forced to raise his children on his own; a job that mothers would undertake. Men were supposed to be successful and support their families in any problems they had, however Krogstad can't do this due to his lack of a job and his reputation being so poor after going to prison for fraud. 

I also like the idea of playing a character who's inner emotions are incredibly vulnerable and desperate all the while he is trying his best to appear threatening and in control when in reality he is not. 

The dynamic between Nora and Krogstad within this scene is something that I find quite interesting as well, both are vying for control over the situation as they both have so much to lose if it doesn't go their way. 

What I Am Nervous About With This Duologue

I am a little apprehensive about the number of lines that we have to learn and the relatively short time we have to learn it. I feel that I may not be able to perform the piece to the best of my ability as a result of this. I am also a little nervous about how I will portray the character, I have already managed to identify his inner emotions and his objectives and I have to make extra effort that I do not allow these inner emotions to seep through into the performance and take away from Krogstad's threatening demeanour during this section of the play.