Bluebeard’s Dollhouse
James J. Hill House, St. Paul
September 30 – October 15, 2016
Bluebeard’s Dollhouse merges Charles Perrault’s murderous fairytale Bluebeard with Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House to create a haunting immersive theater event at the James J Hill House about marriage, violence, and the power of secrets. Winding through the unique and intimate spaces of the Hill House a murder-mystery unfolds using theater, dance, puppetry, and live music.
Audiences delve into the suffocating marriage of Torvald and Nora, which is underscored by the brutality of Bluebeard’s murderous compulsion. Combustible Company draws audiences past the velvet ropes to give them a fresh look at a familiar St Paul landmark –an experience that will lure them deep into the heart of the story and challenge them to think differently about historic space, the nature of love, and each person's quest for intimacy.
Ensemble
Isaac Bont, Beth Brooks, Karla Grotting, Paul Herwig, Erik Hoover, Renee Howard, Rachel Nelson, Lillian Noonan, Pearl Noonan, Anna Pladson, and Jonathan Saliger
Production Team
Caleigh Gumbiner, Alissa McCourt, Jim Peitzman, and Nico Swenson
Concept by Kym Longhi, directed by Kym Longhi, and written by Kym Longhi and the ensemble.
Vocal Direction by Kalen Keir
Bluebeard's Dollhouse was developed as part of the Red Eye's Works in Progress 2014 series.
"As a physical production, Bluebeard’s Dollhouse is ambitious in its scale and speed...everything is so well synchronized, you are able to still wander from room to room with a sense of discovery and spontaneity."
Lydia Lunning, Twin Cities Arts Reader
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Jim Peitzman
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Jim Peitzman
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Mike Neuharth
Photo: Mike Neuharth