Overview
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)
Reviews
“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
“Sharp and humorous.”
—Seattle Stranger
