Players stage ‘The Master Builder’

Rare play comes to Port Angeles

 

Sequim Gazette staff

The Port Angeles Community Players craft a rare performance for the stage this weekend.

Their Second Stage performance of Henrik Ibsen’s “The Master Builder” begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, with repeat performances at the same time on Saturday, April 27, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28.

The moody, intense and disturbing drama follows Halvard Solness, played by Ron Graham, finding himself without meaning at the pinnacle of his career as the master builder.

A girl from his past, Hilde Wangel (Nikkole Adams), returns years later at his doorstep to change his life and reinvigorates his passion when she reminds him of his promise to build her a kingdom.

Director John Manno said Wangel changes Solness’ outlook and every part of his life and that their relationship goes far beyond sexual attraction.

“Through a strange, deep connection, his life begins to take on new meaning. What would that do to you?” he asked.

Solness’ life is revealed through the play as he encounters people he’s controlled or dominated including a loveless marriage with his wife Aline Solness, played by Lola Hassan-Adams.

“It’s a master of naturalism,” Manno said of “The Master Builder.” “It’s as if you are being invited into intimate lives.”

Manno helped bring the play to Port Angeles because he finds it one of his favorite Ibsen plays.

“It is one you have to pay attention to,” he said. “There’s no singing and dancing. It’s just a lot of significant human interaction.”

To pull off the difficult stage production, Manno said he’s relying on strong acting from the whole cast including Jim Guthrie as Knut Brovik, Tim Macausland as Ragnar Brovik, Julie Belling as Kaja Fosli and Zachery Luke King Moorman as Doctor Herdal.

Admission is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.