Bianca Amato takes centre stage: a look at 'A Doll's House Part 2' and South Africa's flourishing theatre scene
Image: Supplied
South African stage and TV actress Bianca Amato has a wealth of experience working in the US, with several Broadway shows and appearances in 'Blue Bloods', 'Elementary' and 'The Big C', under her belt.
On home soil, she's celebrated for her role in 'Binnelanders' and theatre credentials.
Currently starring in "A Doll's House Part 2" at Theatre on the Square, she shared her excitement about the production and discussed how its reception compares to her international experiences.
'While I was in the US, I witnessed and was part of a very robust culture of theatre-going, both in New York City (NYC) and regionally. I'm not sure how it is now, though, as the climate has changed somewhat since Covid.
"But NYC is a very vital place theatrically, and I long to invest in and cultivate the same kind of joy and discernment with our company's work here in South Africa,' she revealed..
'I feel very lucky to have performed in 1500-seaters to full houses, night after night, across the US, and to feel a part of something that is very validated, very cared for, and invested in. It was such a gift.
'And now I am experiencing SA audiences for the first time in 25 years doing this show, and I must say Joburb audiences, even when small, are really bubbly and responsive and vocally appreciative.'
"A Doll's House Part 2" centres on Nora Helmer (Amato) walking away from her husband and children in 1879. She yearns for independence. However, fifteen years later, she returns home with a request that rocks the family.
The script is cleverly penned to inspire debate while also offsetting the tense moments with comic levity.
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Biana Amato in a scene from 'A Doll's House Part 2'.
Image: Supplied
On slipping into the skin of Nora, opposite Zane Meas, Charlotte Butler and Simone Neethling, she shared: 'I have had a challenge with Nora, as her choices are different to mine. And the choices she makes are very incendiary.
"But I fully respect her and her path. I see her as an activist, in a sense, as someone who feels the weight of greater things driving her. For people with that kind of purpose-driven life, sacrifices inevitably need to be made.
'And there is absolute logic and clarity in her decisions. The issues arise because her choices are not selfless. And oftentimes, society finds women who are not soft and maternal, women who put their own journeys first, to be abhorrent. Whereas men are forgiven for that all the time, even celebrated.
'So when I live in Nora, I have to shed my subconscious judgement, and honour her truth, her guts, her fierce honesty, her wit, and her purpose. And I also have to embrace her hubris. The wonderful thing about the play, the brilliant thing, is that each character is flawed, and none of them are wholly right.
'But they each have valid and totally relatable viewpoints. As an audience member, you are allowed to look at relationships through these four lenses and choose your side. And I guarantee you'll change your mind a few times.
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