Catherine Hannon
Special to The Record
As the director of Courtenay Little Theatre’s production of Hedda Gabler, I am sometimes asked why Comox Valley audiences should come to see a 129-year-old tragedy.
I could respond that Henrik Ibsen is the most produced playwright after Shakespeare, and that Hedda Gabler is one of his most famous plays. Or state that the complex and contradictory character of Hedda is referred to as the ‘female Hamlet’, and that this juicy role has been played by many famous actors: Eleonora Duse, Ingrid Bergman and Cate Blanchett, among others.
Perhaps I might entice the audience by revealing that I have taken the play out of Norway in 1890 and set it down in West Vancouver, 1963, a time on the cusp of the radical changes of the ’60s. But there is more to it even than this…
So I put this question to my actors.
“The cast! They are pouring their hearts out on stage and it’s thrilling to experience,” said Allison Warnyca (Hedda).
“The play, despite its age, is incredibly relevant in its themes. This production is infused with dark wit that I think audiences will connect with,” added Anthea Morritt (Thea).
“The text is ruthless. If you start ‘acting’, it is as though a cold Norwegian hand (and a fiery Canadian fist) rise from the page and strike you for being stupid,” said Robinson Wilson (Lovborg). “It demands honesty, availability and courage. I am very fortunate to have a sophisticated cast and director willing to lead by example.”
I couldn’t agree more – especially about the talented cast – made up of CLT veterans Robinson Wilson, Val Macdonald, Jeannine Taylor and Jon Faris, and newcomers Warnyca, Morritt and Maxamillian Wallace, experienced, trained actors new to CLT this season.
Maybe the best reason to come to Hedda Gabler is the thrilling story, a classic of modern drama, adapted by two-time Governor General Award-winning playwright Judith Thompson. The title character, Hedda, a young society woman, is returning from a six-month honeymoon in Europe. Her adoring new husband, George, is about to receive a professorship, and they are moving into an architect-designed house in West Van. It seems she has it all – but she’s bored stiff. When Hedda’s former lover arrives in town to publicize his brilliant new book, she seizes the chance to give her life meaning, but events quickly flow out of her control and lead toward a shocking climax.
Do you want more drama in your life? This exciting new adaptation of a classic play, brought to life by an exceptional cast and production team, has seduction, jealousy, ambition, violence, dark humour, and love – just what you need!
Tickets for Hedda Gabler are on sale at the Sid Williams Ticket Centre, 442 Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay, at sidwilliamstheatre.com, or at 250-338-2430 ext. 1. All seats are reserved: $28 for evening performances (April 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m.); $26 for the Sunday, April 7 matinée at 2 p.m. Groups of six or more: $24 per ticket. Prices include the Sid Williams service fees.
Content Warning: This event contains adult content, violence and gunshots. (Also, seduction, destruction, drinking, jealousy, and love.)
Recommended Age: 18 +
For more information: info@courtenaylittletheatre.com
