By Joe Siegel

Roundabout Productions is presenting a reimagined version of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama “A Doll’s House” in September. The Norwegian playwright wrote the script in 1879.

Director Mark Prokes made the choice to set the story in the 1950s, which he believes gives the material greater resonance.

“I’m hoping that it will prompt the audience to think about how little has changed between now and the 50s, in terms of relations between genders, ” Prokes explained. “Having been working off the public domain version, we’ve taken the time to adjust the language. A few plot details have been tweaked just slightly.”

The cast includes Jim Cannizarro, Michelle Katherine Wylie, Michael Pugliese, and Steven Taschereau.

“It’s a six person cast. It’s funny that of the six people, a third of them I have directed before, a third I have acted with but never directed, and a third of them I’ve never met before the audition,” Prokes noted.

“A lot of the issues (“A Doll’s House”) brings to light still haven’t been fixed. Nora Helmer has been referred to by some people as the female Hamlet. It is such a well put together piece between the parallels she has with the other characters, the parallels between her story and real life. In my research, I discovered Ibsen had not intended to write a feminist drama. He had a friend go through something similar to what Nora goes through in the play, in terms of leaving her husband who had been very controlling. It makes it very real, very raw. It makes it harrowing for a lot of people. The show, unfortunately, continues to be relevant.”

Prokes has been working in theater for over 15 years and does six to ten productions a year as a director or an actor.

Prokes appeared in “Murder on the Orient Express,” where he played Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and last spring’s “The Tempest.”

“Poirot was something I wanted to do for years. I never imagined I would do it in my thirties. Getting to portray that character was a dream come true.”

Directing a show brings its own set of challenges, as well as rewards.

“World building is always something that’s appealed to me,” Prokes added. “I’m getting to exercise a vision alongside other talented passionate individuals.”

A Doll’s House will be performed September 18 through September 26. Roundabout Productions. Performances at the Coelho Middle School, 99 Brown St, Attleboro, MA. For tickets, visit Roundabout’s Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/RoundaboutProductions

Director Mark Prokes.