Hedda Gabler is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s play which originally opened in 1891, the news version directed by Ivo Van Hove which has already been received with great critical acclaim. Over 100 years on it comes across a bright and fresh production with themes that are relevant today as they were in the Victorian era.
Lizzie Watts skillfully depicts Hedda Gabler as a strong but fragile woman who thinks she knows what she wants from life. She is newly married and just returning from honeymoon with her husband Tesman (Abhin Galeya) who cannot believe his luck to have married her, and is keen to please her but ultimately is a self-centered egocentric individual.
The maid Berte (Madlena Nedeva) constantly watches over the scenes, making no comments, and frequently rushes to respond to the video-com entry system. She is complicit in helping Hedda, but does nothing to take responsibility or prevent the tale from unfurling.
The play occurs in the extremely stark setting of Hedda and Tesmon’s new home, the walls are unpainted plasterboard and the only light comes from the window, but even this is being manipulated by Hedda, as she fiddles with the blinds as its too bright. There is a piano stripped of its decorative panels, a junk shop sofa and chair, nothing that actually imparts comfort, even the fire which traditionally is known as a source of light and warmth, is used for its destructive nature. The starkness of the set is reflected in the clothing of the actors, with the only splash of colour being seen in Mrs Elstead’s dress.
The second part of the show has the window being boarded up and the world being shut out, making the atmosphere even dimmer, as the plots twists become darker. The play is thought-provoking about the role of feminists and women in society; does Hedda know what she wants, does she shun one life for another but perhaps regrets it, does she take all life has to offer or does she hem herself in due to her own expectations of the works and life?
This play is an intriguing to watch and thought-provoking and perhaps takes a while to warm up. It is dark, dramatic, emotional, and tense, but ultimately a great evening’s entertainment.
Hedda Gabler is running at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until 3rd February 2018.
