Rare Ibsen at the National Theatre.

21 Nov 2005-4 Feb 2006. Pillars of the Community, a rarely performed psychological thriller by Henrik Ibsen, is being presented at the Nationals Lyttelton theatre to mark the centenary of the great Swedish writers death. Written in 1877, just before The Dolls House, the story revolves around Bernicks ruthless response to the threat of losing his pristine reputation, involuntarily endangering the life of the one he loves. Set in the context of the onrush of capitalism, the beginnings of female emancipation and the lure of a better life in America, this gripping production of Pillars of the Community has already been rated by the Observer as one of the best things to be staged at the National this year. Damien Lewis stars as Bernick with Lesley Manville as Lona Hessel, and the cast of 23 includes Brid Brennan and Una Stubbs. Marianne Elliot directs Samuel Adamsons new version of the script. Admission 10-36. Evening performances 19.30, matinees 14.15. For dates see the website.