Rosmersholm

Duncan Macmillan's revival of Henrik Ibsen's Rosmersholm charts love, politics, past, and future, with John Rosmer holding the future in his hands.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Duncan Macmillan's stunning and resonant adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Rosmersholm is a revival of a masterpiece that charts love, politics, past, and future, with plenty of twists thrown in for good measure. Set against the backdrop of a looming election, an atmosphere of uncertainty, and a bloodthirsty press, Rosmersholm takes place in the grand house of an influential dynasty, where John Rosmer holds the future in his hands. As he wanders the line between idealism and a painful past, he finds himself ever more torn between his desires for a better future and the weight of his past mistakes.

The play explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of ambition, and the consequences of one's choices. With its rich language, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, Rosmersholm is a testament to Ibsen's enduring legacy as a master of drama.

The characters in the play are well-developed and nuanced, each with their own motivations and conflicts. John Rosmer, the protagonist, is a man torn between his idealism and his painful past. He is a man who has been shaped by his upbringing and the expectations of his family and society, but who is also capable of making his own choices and standing up for what he believes in.

His wife, Helene, is another central character in the play. She is a strong-willed woman who has been married to John for many years and who has grown accustomed to the comforts of their privileged lifestyle. However, she is also deeply committed to her husband and their family, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to protect them.

The other characters in the play, such as the politician Torvald Helmer, the journalist Kronborg, and the maid Anne-Marie, all play important roles in shaping the events of the play. Each character has their own motivations and desires, and their interactions with John and Helene help to reveal the complexities of their relationships and the larger political and social context in which they live.

One of the most striking aspects of Rosmersholm is its exploration of the power of ambition. John Rosmer is a man who has risen to power through his own hard work and determination, but who is also willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his position of authority. He is willing to sacrifice his principles and his relationships with those he cares about in order to achieve his goals.

This theme of ambition is echoed in the larger political context of the play, where the election and the press play a central role. The election is a symbol of the power of the people to choose their leaders, and the press is a powerful tool that can shape public opinion and influence political outcomes. However, the press is also a vehicle for corruption and manipulation, and it is willing to use its power to advance its own interests.

The play also explores the consequences of one's choices. John Rosmer's choices in the play have far-reaching consequences for himself, his wife, and his family. His ambition and his willingness to sacrifice his principles have led him to make decisions that have hurt those he cares about, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions.

In conclusion, Duncan Macmillan's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Rosmersholm is a masterful piece of drama that explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of ambition, and the consequences of one's choices. With its rich language, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, Rosmersholm is a testament to Ibsen's enduring legacy as a master of drama. The play is a must-see for anyone who loves theatre and is interested in exploring the human condition.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 200 x 129 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786827517