As a director, discuss how you would stage the final act of Ibsen's 'A Doll's House' to convey a message of your choosing.

As I director I would create a direct comparison between Nora and Torvald and Mrs Linde and Krogstad. There is a large amount of secrecy between both characters, however it is the contrast which sheds light on the true relationship between Nora and Torvald which ultimately leads to the final scene. Mrs Linde has a very modern view when it comes to the understanding she would like from Torvald. On the line 'they must have a complete understanding between them' on page 54, I would have Mrs Linde rise from her seated position and say the line with a strong conviction to state her strong opinion. Krogstad shows his loyalty, and security with Linde by calmly and surely stating 'I will wait for you below' a direct contrast to Torvald's coming commanding and toxic behaviour towards Nora. Linde and Krogstad are a couple who constantly push the social boundaries and conventions of a stereo-typical heterosexual relationship during the 19th century. It is shocking then to witness the following events. Torvald takes a very hierarchical role, as he comes sauntering in flushed with desire for Nora. The stage direction 'he brings her gently into the room in spite of her resistance' is crucial, showing his boisterous ways, tugging and pulling Nora in a seemingly playful yet sinister way. He continues to present his patriarchal misogyny in ways which are comically ironic, especially for a play written in that time - showing Mrs Linde how to knit, 'Let me show you. You hold the embroidery thus in your left hand...' - ironically one could say "man-splaining" an activity which comes more familiarly to Mrs Linde than Torvald could ever imagine. A wild chase of increasing and decreasing proximity would follow, as Nora pushes outward 'going to the other side of the table' and Torvald 'following her' pursuing his skylark to entrap in his bird cage. This behaviour would continue and escalate to the point where Torvald tries even reprimanding her in the most patronising tone stating 'playtime shall be over and lesson time shall begin'. He never truly understands her need for freedom, her 'wild' request, until Nora states 'Oh, Torvald, I don't believe any longer in wonderful things happening', absently stating she has given up all hope, but in an ethereal way is looking forward to her freedom. The play must end with Nora saying 'Good-bye' with a shy smile on her face as she braces for the unknown.