A new season at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold begins with a theatrical classic - a new production of Henrik Ibsen’s renowned masterpiece Ghosts, led by acclaimed director Emma Lucia.

Written in 1881 but censored from public performance in Britain until 1914, Ghosts is a landmark drama which shocked audiences with its radical portrayal of family secrets, social hypocrisy and hidden passions.

The cast of Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen in rehearsals at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold
The cast of Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen in rehearsals at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold

Mrs Alving is preparing for the opening of an orphanage dedicated to the memory of her late husband.

Her son Osvald, a young artist working in Paris, returns home for the ceremony but his presence triggers ghosts of the past returning to haunt the present.

A stage classic, Ghosts is gripping drama.

Recognised as the father of modern drama, Ibsen has also been described as an “actress maker” – he broke new ground in the theatre by writing serious plays such as Ghosts, A Doll’s House, Hedda Gabler and The Lady from the Sea in which the leading character was a woman.

Ghosts is seen as a dramatic milestone which influenced a whole generation of playwrights.

In the 20th century Arthur Miller, Edward Albee, Peter Nicholls and Alan Ayckbourn, among others, have taken up Ibsen’s challenge to traditional views on society and its morals.

Theatre director Emma Lucia
Theatre director Emma Lucia

Ghosts is directed by Emma Lucia. Last season she directed successful productions of Copenhagen by Michael Frayn and Arms and the Man by Bernard Shaw at Clwyd Theatr Cymru.

Her recent work also includes A History of Falling Things by James Graham at The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Mrs Alving is played by Siân Howard. An associate of Clwyd Theatr Cymru, she was acclaimed as Margrethe Bohr in Copenhagen and as Catherine Petkoff in Arms and the Man by Bernard Shaw in Mold last season.

Owain Gwynn plays Osvald. His appearances at Clwyd include Portrait of the Artist of the Young Dog. In London he has been seen in War Horse at the National Theatre and Porgy and Bess in Regent’s Park.

Simon Dutton, playing Pastor Manders, is an associate of Clwyd Theatr Cymru where his roles include Sir Robert Morton in The Winslow Boy, directed by Terry Hands and Torvald in A Doll’s House, directed by Emma Lucia.

Llion Williams returns to the company to play Jacob Engstrand. A company member since 1997, and an associate, his productions in Mold include A Small Family Business by Alan Ayckbourn, Gaslight and Rape of the Fair Country.

Michelle Luther, seen recently as Louka in Arms and the Man, is Regina Engstrand.

Ghosts can be seen in the Emlyn Williams Theatre from September 25-October 18.

Visit www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk or call 0845 330 3565.

Other productions to look forward to at Clwyd Theatr Cymru season include Somewhere in England, Not About Heroes and the festive rock ‘n’ roll panto Jack and The Beanstalk.