Hedda Gabler

By: Henrik Ibsen, Edmund Gosse - translator, William Archer - translator

Narrated by: Anna Grace, Rob Goll, Sarah Mitchell, Amanda Friday, Marty Krz, Peter Tucker, Elizabeth Klett

Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Hedda Gabler, a play in four acts by Henrik Ibsen, was published in 1890. The first production in English was in April 1891 in London. The title role of Hedda is considered one of the great dramatic roles in theatre.

Hedda and George Tesman have just returned from their six-month honeymoon tour of the Tyrol. George, a studious and somewhat dull academic has spent most of the time continuing his research. Hedda, the daughter of the celebrated, aristocratic General Gabler, recently deceased, has been accustomed to the finer things in life. She is already bored in her marriage and diverts herself with her father's pistols and the attentions of family friend, Judge Brack.

The Tesman's future prosperity rests on the promise of a university appointment for George, but the arrival of Eilert Lovborg, a former admirer of Hedda, and a competitor for Tesman's academic position throws a shadow of uncertainty over this appointment. Prompted by jealousy of an old schoolfriend and her desire to have power over a human destiny, Hedda embarks upon a course of actions with tragic consequences.

Cast:

Hedda Tesman - Anna Grace
George Tesman - Rob Goll
Juliana Tesman - Sarah Mitchell
Mrs Elvsted - Amanda Friday
Judge Brack - Marty Krz
Eilert Lovborg - Peter Tucker
Berta - Elizabeth Klett
Stage Directions read by Grace Garrett

Audio edited by Rob Goll

Public Domain (P)2019 The Online Stage

Ibsen's Classic of Theatrical Realism

The players The Online State have brought to life Hedda Gabler, Henrick Ibsen’s masterpiece of “realism”. I am not reviewing the work, because, well…what can I say that hasn’t been said. The role of Hedda Gabler is now considered one of the premier dramatic roles in the theatre. As for the performance, Anna Grace plays Hedda to perfection. Her perfect timing, ability to make us hear the sarcasm dripping from her voice, all make us realize that for all her boredom in her new marriage to George Tesman (which leads to her desire to influence human destiny, with its tragic outcome), she is at heart simply not a very moral woman. Rob Goll takes on the role of George Tesman, the scholar whose interests lie in research and scholarship, at the risk of ignoring his new wife. Goll plays this character brilliantly, with a bit of personality, giving him an added depth and interest that, I believe, is necessary to a listener who is not seeing the action in real life. Again perfect timing and delivery on Goll’s part as well. Peter Tucker is also exceptional as Eilert Lovborg, once an admirer of Hedda’s and now competition for Tesman in his pursuit of a teaching position, he played a man of complicated emotions, and even with knowing the outcome of the play, Tucker admirably foreshadowed the tragic consequences throughout his clever reading. The remainder of the players are equally wonderful in their portrayals. I highly recommend this classic, it is 2-1/2 hours of listening pleasure of a drama all lovers of the theatre should experience.