Posted: Wednesday, November 1, 2006 10:00 pm
ACT honors playwright with subtle complexities of 'Hedda Gabler'
By Heather Crabtree
The Entertainer
ALBANY - To mark the 100th anniversary of famed Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's death, Albany Civic Theater will present "Hedda Gabler" at 8 p.m. Friday.
Additional performances will be at 8 p.m. Nov. 4, 9, 10 and 11, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Ibsen, who died May 23, 1906, was famous for such plays as "A Doll's House," written in 1879, and other works that challenged societal conventions during the Victorian era.
"Hedda Gabler," written in 1890, was one of the last plays Ibsen wrote, with only four of his 25 plays to follow it. It was originally produced in Munich in 1891 and not well-received. However, subsequent productions gained recognition and the play has since been produced many times on stage and in cinema.
The character of Hedda has been described by many critics as a female Hamlet.
"The comparison comes from the complexity of the characters," director John Elliott said. "Unfortunately, Hamlet and Hedda have the reputation of being dull and boring. The one thing I learned while rehearsing - something I didn't come to the play with - is that she compartmentalizes everything."
Taking on the complex role of Hedda for ACT's production is Harriet Nixon.
Hedda is the daughter of General Gabler. She has just returned home from a six-month honeymoon with her husband, George Tesman, played by John Carone. Over the course of the play, it becomes clear that Hedda married George for security, not because of affection. When her security is challenged, she manipulates the people around her to get what she wants.
"There is a lot less action (than other plays)," Elliott said. "The way Hedda deals with each person makes you realize what's going on within. When you start to see the same topics dealt with differently, it makes you think, 'Oh my God, what is this woman doing?'"
When watching the play, pay close attention to the subtle elements Nixon brings to the role. Something as simple as pursing her lips and raising her chin to give Hedda a superior air speaks volumes about what is going on in the character's mind and how Hedda feels about the person she's interacting with.
In just the first act, Hedda goes from being completely polite but cold to George's aunt, Julie Tesman, played by Dorrie Board, to pretending she is Thea Elvsted's friend so she'll reveal secrets to her. Thea is played by Adrienne Newman.
Thea is a former love interest of Hedda's husband and the current love interest of his professional rival, Eilert Lovborg, who is played by Emmet Whittaker.
The entire interaction between Hedda and Thea makes the audience think, "Don't do it, Thea." Every change of expression and demeanor from Hedda makes you question her motive. She is like a cat stalking a mouse and only too late does the mouse know she's there.
"Hedda is a strong character but she lacks the substance anyone needs to survive," Elliott said. "Thea has that. We see that in her ability to buck the conventions of society."
Anyone who is familiar with "A Doll's House" will recognize the play's heroine, Nora, in Thea, Elliott said.
Thea seems to be a later version of Nora. Without worrying about what people think, she's left her husband to be independent.
Between the two women, Thea is immediately more likeable. Thea does have motives when she first comes to the Tesman home; however, from the audience's perspective, the motives are to aid someone she cares about rather than how to better her social standing.
Additional cast members include: Paul Watts as Judge Brack; Emmet Whittaker as Eilert Lovborg; and Jillian Bower as Berta.
If you go
WHAT: "Hedda Gabler," a play by Henrik Ibsen.
WHERE: Albany Civic Theater, 111 First Ave. S.W., Albany.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Nov. 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
TICKETS: $10 for adults; $7 for students under 18 and seniors over 60. Tickets available at Sid Stevens Jeweler in Albany, Rice's Pharmacy in Corvallis or ACT Box office 45 minutes before the show.