Full-Length (100-120 Min.)
Comedy
3W, 3M

Play

Ibsen in Chicago


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Synopsis

The world premiere of Ibsen’s controversial play Ghosts took place in Chicago, performed by a group of Scandinavian immigrants: a little known fact. Grimm’s play spins a yarn based on this ‘great reckoning in a little room’ and explores the immigrant experience and opportunities for self re-invention against the backdrop of changing artistic and social mores.

Casting & Production


Casting

HELGA BLUHME-JENSEN (W) — Danish immigrant. An actress. A clothes horse. Admits to 36.

HENNING FOLDEN (M) — Danish immigrant. 26. A well-read brick mason.

PER GUNDERSEN (M) — Norwegian immigrant. 56. Cobbler. Unhealthy. Drinks a lot.

PEKKA VOLQUARTS (M) — Norwegian immigrant. 44. Laborer. Unhealthy. Drinks a lot.

ELSA SCHEEL (W) — Danish immigrant. 24. Attractive and healthy.

SOLVEIG MUNSON (W) — Norwegian immigrant. 51. Bespectacled and depressive.


Setting

Place
The Aurora Turner Hall — which is a large wooden room with a second level or gallery, on Milwaukee and West Huron in the North Side of Chicago. There is an entry door and a recessed hall leading to a washroom in addition to a stairwell connecting the two levels.

Time
March, April and May, 1882.

Running time
100 minutes (1 or 2 acts optional)

Media

"Sharp and humorous."

- Seattle Stranger

"This is a work about the internal turmoil that comes with forging a new identity."

- The Seattle Times

"A wonderful new work that manages to sneak up on you with how engaging and meaningful it is amidst all the laughs... A cavalcade of fantastic characters... A lighthearted new work with tons of humor and an engaging story."

- Broadway World