Meet the cast of Nora Doll’s House, the fresh new tale from The Actors’ Program!
Published: 25 November 2022
We caught up with the talented cast of Nora A Doll’s House and asked them some questions about their creative process and why YOU should see Nora A Doll’s House immediately. This piece is a labour of love as they were challenged with brining Stef Smith’s 2019 adaption of Henrick Ibsen’s 19th century play into the modern age. The gripping show aims to tackle gender inequality faced by young people in our modern society.
The piece follows Nora Helmer as she tries to be the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect homemaker – but under the veneer she’s close to cracking. Finding herself at an impassable crossroad, Nora has a radical decision to make as secrets and lies tear at the seams, pulling apart everything she has ever known.
Check out what three of the cast members have to say below.
“One that has been with me recently: In moments of feeling challenged comes immense growth! The best version of ourselves already exists within us.” – Isla Mayo
Isla Mayo
Introduce yourself and your arts practice.
Kia Ora! I'm Isla Mayo, a Chinese Kiwi gal based in Tāmaki Makaurau. I started off as a classical pianist & hip-hop/Latin dancer. Acting came into my life only a few years ago and I was privileged to have worked on a couple of amazing theatre shows between then and now.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
I love being a part of an art form that portrays stories which make people feel heard. I also love how collaborative the arts can be. There is just something magical about being in a room full of creatives & making a piece of work you’re passionate about together.
What’s the hardest thing about what you do?
As fun and exciting as it is diving into the world of the stories and characters we embody in this craft, there is so much work required of actors to understand/portray that completely and truthfully. Which at times is a lot for our bodies and our minds, especially during lengthy periods of time. That’s why crafting out is so vital to the actor's practice!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
One that has been with me recently: In moments of feeling challenged comes immense growth! The best version of ourselves already exists within us.
Who are your favourite artists/theatre companies/musicians etc. and why?
Stevie Wonder is my hero. His music speaks for itself.
Tell us about The Actors’ Program, and advice if someone wants to audition.
Be willing to surrender to everything you know about acting and be open to everything that you will learn. That is all.
Tell us about your upcoming project/show.
NORA has been the biggest project I have ever worked on but one that also means so much to me. I feel privileged to tell a story as powerful as this one with the women whom I will be sharing the stage with. We have all been working so hard on this piece and it's been awesome shaping it with Kitan & the cast on the floor. I can't wait to see it come to life!
What can audiences expect from the project/show? or why should people come and see it?
This show is so much bigger than ourselves. It's a story about the world of so many women, told by women who are so different from each other yet, the same as each other. My hope is that at least one woman in the audience can feel heard, seen & held by this piece.
“Probably knowing there’s a million ways you could play a character and so many options and that you never get to do all of them. Also avoiding trying to be “right” and just going for it can be difficult sometimes.” - Viivi Crossland
Viivi Crossland
Introduce yourself and your arts practice.
My name is Viivi Crossland. I am an artist who has an interest in acting, writing, and producing. Some of my favourite ways of expressing myself is through devised pieces, music and employing feminist literature to inspire new works.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
Collaborating with others is the best part. All artists view things differently and it’s so awesome to all of a sudden understand and see something through someone else’s lens and experience that you would’ve never seen before. Also it’s just fun to be silly and play around.
What’s the hardest thing about what you do?
Probably knowing there’s a million ways you could play a character and so many options and that you never get to do all of them. Also avoiding trying to be “right” and just going for it can be difficult sometimes.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Pressure is privilege.
Who are your favorite artists/theatre companies/musicians etc. and why?
I really have enjoyed what Silo theatre have been putting out this year. The Writer and 7 Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner were my favourite shows that I’ve seen this year. Frances McDormand and Viola Davis are my favourite actors
Tell us about The Actors’ Program, and advice if someone wants to audition.
The Actors Program is a gym for Actors. It’s got all the best equipment all the best trainers but if you don’t arrive wanting to be pushed hard then there’s no point. You’ve got to a be at a stage in your journey where you are ready to show up. You will get out of it what you put in so be ready!
Tell us about your upcoming project/show.
This adaptation that we are doing of A Doll’s house is not a naturalist play. It is not in the form that you may be used to. It’s commentary of the original in a 2022 lens. How much has society changed and how much have gender roles changed? This play is close to my heart and I can’t wait for people to see it. It’s an important play for women to see but in a way it’s even more important for men to see it.
What can audiences expect from the project/show? or why should people come and see it?
To challenge your view point. We really try to sit comfortably in the fact that life has changed for women and it’s so much better than the “old days.” But when was the last time you snickered at a joke demeaning a woman? Do you only value your mother and your wife for the stuff she does for you? Or do you value her as a human being? Who has dreams, feelings, needs and aspirations. Do you sit quietly and comfortably in ignorance or do you speak up about current issues involving women in places like Iran, India and well… our own backyard.
“Come because you'll experience a wide spectrum of human emotions. Come because you'll potentially learn something about yourself or others. Come because you may see yourself reflected in this hypothetical world.” – Lisa Zhang
Lisa Zhang
Introduce yourself and your arts practice.
My name is Lisa Zhang, I am an actor and creative based in Auckland.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
Being able to live so many lives and step into so many shoes - watching how that comes together and the manpower it takes for a vision to come alive.
What’s the hardest thing about what you do?
Understanding the nature of characters, in most cases the human condition, and how to really step into those shoes truthfully.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Trust yourself. It's all within you and as you learn and experience more of what life has to offer and teach, it'll become a part of you.
Who are your favourite artists/theatre companies/musicians etc. and why?
That is an ever-evolving answer but currently a huge fan of the record label 88rising - how they represent their artists and the kind of art they choose to create. Also, Jackson Wang's approach to his work ethic, artistry and values are very attractive to me as I navigate my own pathway.
Tell us about The Actors’ Program, and advice if someone wants to audition.
Do it, just try it. And if you get in, give it everything you've got because it'll be worth it when you do.
Tell us about your upcoming project/show.
NORA is a show that is incredibly inspirational and heartfelt, and a labour of love for sure.
What can audiences expect from the project/show? or why should people come and see it?
Come because you'll experience a wide spectrum of human emotions. Come because you'll potentially learn something about yourself or others. Come because you may see yourself reflected in this hypothetical world.
You can catch Nora A Doll’s House at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Square now – Sat 3 Dec. Book your tickets now!
Find out more: The Actors' Program
