Written by Emily Perkins, adapted from Ibsen’s original
Directed by Katherine McRae
Starring: Sophie Hambleton, Simon Leary, Kali Kopae, Francis Biggs, Peter McCauley and Sophie Fulton

Nora Helmer has it all: a successful and attractive husband, a big house and two charming children. But as Christmas festivities get underway, events from the past return to wreak havoc in paradise. Nora’s life begins to fracture, leaving her trapped inside a web of secrets and lies... Will the truth set her free or is she in too deep?

In the original play, Ibsen controversially exposed the power and gender dynamics of a marriage. This modern take, by celebrated New Zealand writer Emily Perkins, picks up Ibsen’s gauntlet and drops it into present-day New Zealand.

Sophie Hambleton (TV's Westside) commands the stage as Nora. Directed by award-winning Katherine McRae, this production will shock and move you.

"Perkins has lobbed a grenade onto the stage and we wait anxiously for it to explode." James Wenley, Metro 2015

"As a classic riddled with universal and timeless moral dilemmas, this A Doll's House is potently relevant. Not to be missed." - Theatreview 2017

"As Nora, Hambleton is searing." - The Pantograph Punch 2017

Duration: 1 Hour and 40 minutes, no interval.

Following the performance on 10 September, there will be a Q and A with writer Emily Perkins, director Kathy McRae and members of the cast.

Once upon a time...is a theatrical extravaganza of some of the world's most well known stories, movies and music of our time. Shown through the mediums of Dance, Drama, Singing, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics, Cheerleading and Music. Performed by the students from A STAR Academy of the Arts and friends. Performers range in age from 3 years to Adult. This event is a fundraiser for the Salvation Army of Nelson, helping them with their good works and long standing provision to the people of Nelson.

A STAR Academy of the Arts is a Performing Arts School for children and adults specialising in the professional training of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip hop, Drama, Singing, Musical Theatre Preschool, Irish Dance, Cheerleading, Acrobatics, Body Conditioning, Contemporary, Music, and Stage School. Students enjoy exams in all subjects, competitions and regular public performances, All taught by highly qualified tutors. Part time and Fulltime courses available, Visit http://www.astararts.co.nz or Facebook.