Bianca Amato takes centre stage: a look at 'A Doll's House Part 2' and South Africa's flourishing theatre scene

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.

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.

She sang the praises of her co-stars, too. 

“I adore Zane Maes, Charlotte Butler, and Simone Neethling. We are a splendidly connected, warm and happy company. And we are finding such lovely things on stage. Our discoveries are ongoing, and our trust in each other is so wonderful.

“Zane as Torvald is so divine,  and our chemistry is marvellous. Charlotte as Anne-Marie, well, I just want to crawl into her lap and snuggle, and our ratatat dialogue is delicious and invigorating.  

“And as for Simone! What a firecracker. Her unexpected addition to the quartet creates such electricity and surprise.”

The actress also raved about director Barbara Rubin.

She added, “Barbara is super astute and sensitive. Every note she gave me felt like a fresh glass of water when you’re thirsty. The tone of this play is really interesting and not easy to achieve. Barbara has been our captain in terms of finding out where we live on that stage. 

"It is not a drama, it is not a straight-up comedy. It is not realistic, and it is not wholly stylised. And yet it is all of these things.

“ It has conventions, but then it breaks them. It has taken us some time to find our place on the high wire. But I think we are there now.  Barbara is a wonderful, collaborative and warm director, smart and encouraging. We loved having her at the helm of The Quickening’s first full production.”

Where: Theatre on the Square.

When: Runs until June 7.