REVIEW: "Hedda Gabler"

Review-Journal

     By Carolyn Wardle
     Review-Journal
      "Hedda Gabler" is a morality play of sorts: Be true to yourself or reap destruction.
      Although Henrik Ibsen uses the convention of 19th century middle-class society to cage his heroine, she also shackles her soul by lacking the courage to create a stimulating environment for herself.
      And so Hedda Gabler seems spoiled and demanding while her spirited intelligence wreaks havoc in all who surround her.
      Ibsen's play relies solely on the polite interaction of visitors to the Tesman home. There is little action, other than the arrival and departure of guests. And so the acting must tell the story, provide the movement and create emotional interest to hold the viewer. Happily, Director Michael Lugering of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' University Theatre has assembled a stellar cast.
      Lugering and his cast have created an emotional complexity that is so intriguing, late 20th century viewers can easily relate to the problems of an earlier time. People have not really changed. And Lugering and the actors of "Hedda Gabler" crystallize the conflicts, making them personal and not quite so cultural in orientation.
      Hedda is an exceptional woman: spirited, intelligent and selfish. With her head she plans a married life of luxury, parties and social acquaintances. But she neglects to satisfy her heart. And this is her undoing.
      Sonya T. Evans is brilliant as the multifaceted Hedda. Her portrayal is easy and fluid, creating a scintillating cleverness as Hedda coldly manipulates the emotions of those around her, yet instilling a childlike vulnerability as Hedda's carefully laid plans only result in unhappiness.
      Evans carries the play, creating the energy that feeds the interplay of the other actors in the production. Clinton Brandhagen is superb as Jorgen Tesman, Hedda's bookish husband. He is kind, accommodating and completely lacking in imagination. He doesn't understand Hedda's brooding slings of discontent nor does he comprehend the fierceness of her unresolved feelings that will soon destroy his own picture of marital bliss.
      Jim Ballard gives a sly performance as the cunning Judge Brack. And Brian Anderson creates pathos and desperation as Ejlert Lovborg, the gifted scholar and self-destructive alcoholic who loves too much.
      We wished for more romantic charisma from Anderson to explain Hedda and Mrs. Thea Elvstead's attraction.
      While we can place blame for Hedda's destruction on the social mores of the time, her downfall can also be squarely pinned on Hedda's own lack of will and courage. And with that premise, Henrik Ibsen's 19th century play becomes timeless. Personal truth and honesty are still the mark of a life well lived.
     
     What: "Hedda Gabler"
     When: Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
     Where: Judy Bayley Theatre, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway
     Tickets: $6-$8
     Rating:HHHH