New version of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler begins previews at the Shaw Festival

“These things come over me, just like that, suddenly. And I can’t hold back.”

Media Release #21

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario….Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, in a dazzling translation by writer/director Richard Eyre, began previews July 25 at the Shaw Festival’s Court House Theatre.

A villain; a victim; a heroine; the female Hamlet; a playwright’s response to an emerging new modern society. Hedda Gabler embodies all of these and more — a woman filled with a passion for life that cannot be satisfied by her marriage or perfect home.

Returning after her honeymoon with George Tesman (Patrick McManus) — the man no one expected her to marry — Hedda (Moya O’Connell) remains untamed, alarmed by a potential pregnancy, and deeply unfulfilled. Eilert Loevborg (Gray Powell), an old flame from her past, reappears now as her husband’s academic rival, and a series of events is set in motion that even Hedda could barely have imagined.

Directed by Martha Henry, the Shaw Festival’s production of Hedda Gabler also features Claire Jullien as Thea Elvsted and Jim Mezon as Judge Brack, with Mary Haney and Jennifer Phipps.

The repressive nature of Hedda’s world is given full rein in the costume and set design by William Schmuck, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte and sound design by Todd Charlton. The stage management team includes Stage Manager Dora Tomassi and Assistant Stage Manager Rob Middleton.

Hedda Gabler begins preview performances Wednesday, July 25, opens Friday, August 10 and plays in repertory until Saturday, September 29.

The Shaw Festival’s season began April 10, runs until October 28 and proudly features 11 productions presented on the Festival’s four Niagara-on-the-Lake stages. For more information on our season, performance schedule and ticket information, please visit www.shawfest.com.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.