Out-of-Place "Hedda Gabler" Fights for Freedom

Bored with her loveless marriage--and her life in general--Hedda Gabler struggles for freedom and power in this play of the same name. This translation of Hedda Gabler, directed by David Ellenstein, is making its world premiere at North Coast Repertory from June 1st until June 26th. 

Originally written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, Hedda Gabler represents the modern woman, born far before her time. Her character is considered one of the most complex and intriguing female characters ever written in theatre. Her tale of revenge, sexual repression, deceit, and despair will leave you absolutely shocked and surprised. Theatre goers won’t want to miss this one!

Ibsen, known widely in the theatre world as "the father of realism," was a major playwright in the 19th-century. He was also known as one of the founders of modernism in theatre. Aside from Hedda Gabler, his other major works include Brand, Peer Gynt, The Wild Duck, Rosmersholm, and The Master Builder. His most performed play of the 20th century was A Doll's House. In a world of strict family morals and propriety, Ibsen stuck out as his later works covered harsh realities that are often hidden behind closed doors. This caused his dramas to be considered scandalous, and often were perceived under a critical eye. 

Originally written in Norwegian, Hedda Gabler premiered on January 31, 1891, at the Königliches Residenz-Theater in Munich, Germany. Shortly after its premiere, productions of Hedda begun in Berlin and Copenhagen in February 1891. Just two months later, the first British performance of Hedda took place at the Vaudeville Theatre in London. The successful play didn’t hit the United States until March 1898, at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City.

While the play is called Hedda Gabler, Hedda's married name is actually Hedda Tesman. But Isben noted that he named the play after her maiden name because the character Hedda would rather be referred to as her father's daughter, rather than her husband's wife. Critics have called Hedda's journey and personality complex and uncomfortably explained, compared to other characters Ibsen has written.

Hedda has been translated to English by Anne-Charlotte Harvey, Professor Emerita of Theatre at San Diego State University. Harvey, Swedish-born, is not only a translator but a dramaturg and playwright. She specializes in the translations of Scandinavian writers Ibsen and Strindberg. Her Strindberg translations have been seen in Minneapolish, Seattle, Stockholm, Los Angeles, and San Diego. 

This translated adaptation is directed by the great David Ellenstein. Ellenstein is a veteran of over 250 theatrical productions, with almost 40 productions at North Coast Rep, his most recent being Way Downriver. He was previously Artistic Director for the Los Angeles Repertory Company and the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company. He joined the North Coast Rep family as Artistic Director in 2003.

Previews for Hedda Gabler begin June 1st - 3rd, with the opening night on June 4th. The show will run for approximately 120 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at North Coast Rep.