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Norway and its neighbors, like Sweden and Denmark, have become known for progressive, forward-thinking ways, especially concerning matters of a sexual nature. But little more than a century ago, iconoclastic Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen put the scandal in Scandinavia with his dark, perceptive drama, Ghosts. On Jan. 29, San Jose Stage Company continues its season with this play that once not only shocked the Fjordland, but most of Europe.
Ghosts addresses adultery, illegitimacy, promiscuity and sexual diseases, but perhaps it wasn't just the taboo subject matter that caused such an uproar. In this tale of the sins of the father visited upon the son, Ibsen skewers middle class mores and social hypocrisy a little too insightfully for comfort. He brought to the fore issues that can still make people squirm today. Ibsen also authored A Doll's House and Hedda Gabbler, which deal in similar social themes.
The Stage Company's production features a new translation by the Alliance Theatre of Atlanta. The cast includes well-known Bay Area actress Wilma Bonet, Jorge Rubio, Warren Keith, Randall King and Deborah Fink. Tony Kelly directs.
Ghosts, presented by San Jose Stage Company, runs Jan. 29Feb. 23 at the Stage Theater, 490 S. First St., San Jose. Tickets are $16-$36. For more information, call 408.283.7142.
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