Ellida is Dr. Wangel’s second wife. When they got married, he had daughters (Bolette and Hilde) who lost their mother suddenly. For one reason and another, Ellida has never quite fit in, she feels like an interloper, a compromise. Interaction is pleasant, cordial even, but something is missing. Every year Hilde gathers flowers for a kind of tacit memorial to her deceased mother. Ellida once had a brief encounter with a sailor, which has obsessed her ever since. She bathes in the ocean every morning, and when word of his appearance to a family friend reaches her, misgivings about her present attachment emerge.
Henrik Ibsen’s The Lady From the Sea, strikes several balances. Or perhaps imbalances. The sailor who begs her to leave with him, before she even met Dr. Wangel, is not a delusion. But neither is he flesh and blood, exactly. Others have seen and spoken with him, but something about him is ephemeral. He occupies a realm somewhere between the fanciful and the rational. Ellida aches to follow him to the ocean, because his urgent need surpasses practical considerations, such as companionship and being a domestic partner. While Ellida is treated well (except by Hilde) it’s as if she’s a guest on an extended visit. She’s trapped by ambivalence, even though she didn’t hesitate to accept the Doctor’s proposal. She seems torn by the need for security and the longing for something more daring.
In addition to Ellida’s predicament, we see problems as Hilde is courted by Lyngstrand and Bolette by her former mentor, Arnholm. [Am I wrong, or do only the women go by first names?] Both Arnholm and Lyngstrand have clear notions of how they will benefit from matrimony to Bolette and Hilde, but only a vague grasp of any emotional and spiritual nurturing for their wives. Lyngstrand believes the role of Muse should be enough for Hilde, and Arnholm doesn’t realize Bolette’s ambitions go much further than being a wife. Ibsen isn’t withering here (though slyly comical) but certainly aware of the men’s lack of empathy.
Under Blake Hackler’s keen direction the cast (Joanna Schellenberg, Bruce DuBose, Lauren Floyd, Jovane Caamano, Chris Messersmith, Marcus Stimac, Stephanie Cleghorn Jasso and Dean Wray) and crew et al, explore this masterful blend of the intellectual and emotional: Ibsen’s reflection of what the partnership of marriage is, and does, and can be, for women. None of the characters are petty or stupid or abusive. They do their best with what they know, and the information they have. Such as it is. Culture (sadly) has subtle, often imperceptible ways of indoctrinating, without letting on that we’re participating. Hackler’s savvy, spontaneous, thoroughly involved players get this, offering a poignant, touching and memorable narrative, filled with insight and humanity.
Undermain Theatre presents: The Lady From the Sea, playing November 7th-December 2nd, 2018. 3200 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75223. 214.747.5515. www.undermain.org.