“Hedda Gabler”
Yale Repertory Theatre
Yale Repertory Theatre is currently presenting a handsome, bristling production of Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler.” Utilizing an English translation by Paul Walsh, this show is both literate and unsettling. The statuesque Marianna Gailus gives a stellar performance as the title character and it is often her actions which create incident in the play. Under James Bundy’s carefully modulated direction, “Hedda Gabler” grows increasingly suspenseful and devious as it goes along.
“Hedda Gabler” also boasts a good cast and the show takes place on Jessie Baldinger’s beautiful and tasteful set of the home of Hedda and her husband Jorgen Tesman (the fine Max Gordon Moore, who embodies all of the tentativeness of this somewhat weary character). Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of “Hedda Gabler” delivers its share of surprises, making this a show to be reckoned with.
The first character one sees is Jorge’s aunt, Juliane Tesman (the warm and endearing Felicity Jones Latta). At the start of the play, Hedda and Jorge are just starting to get settled into their new home and it slowly becomes apparent that Hedda is considerably bored with her whole life. Indeed, everyone seems beneath her and Marianna Gailus is able to play these scenes with a combination of contempt and dry, cynical wit. Also contingent with the couple moving into their home is the hope Jorge will receive a much needed university professorship in order for him to provide his wife with the upper class way of living that she craves above all.
Not to give too much away, but the plot concerns other characters in the academia and, crucially, there is a precious manuscript written by Jorge’s competitor for his new appointment, Eilert Lovborg (portrayed exceptionally by James Udom). The other parts in the play include the crisp Mary Lou Rosato as Berte, the efficient housekeeper for Hedda and her husband, as well as the somewhat unscrupulous Judge Brack (an excellent Austin Durant), and, crucially, the timid Mrs. Thea Elvsted, played sensitively by the lovely Stephanie Machado.
At the center of the entire play is Hedda and each scene seems to rise or fall by how interested or disinterested is her manner. Wearing a series of gorgeous, period perfect gowns (designed by Lyle Laize Qin), Gailus as Hedda is a riveting, manipulative figure, with the other characters being used to suit her whims. It’s saying a lot that this actress brings a whole range of facets to this part, however, and, for all her selfish actions, one can still feel for her plight.
The running time of this production is roughly two and half hours with an intermission and the director keeps the action continually evolving from scene to scene. Also among the design team is the superb lighting designer Larry Ortiz, who helps to carefully sculpt every moment throughout. The sound design by Emilee Biles is crystal clear, allowing one to hear precisely every word in this almost haunting production. This is not to say that there isn’t humor in the show; it’s just the kind that almost makes you choke on your own laughter.
“Hedda Gabler” is a wrenching, magnificent play that demands almost colossal emotions and this production at Yale Repertory Theatre certainly delivers the goods, with Galius’s intimidating presence as the title character being paramount. Some events in the show can seem almost supernatural and otherworldly, though the director and his strong cast at Yale Repertory Theatre keep the production deeply grounded in the most basic emotions and needs of the characters. This proves to be a show that will stay with you for days afterwards.
“Hedda Gabler” runs through through December 20, 2025, at Yale Repertory Theatre, University Theater, 222 York St., New Haven CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-432-1234 or visit Yalerep.org.
Photo: (L-R): Stephanie Machado and Mariana Gailus
Photo by Joan Marcus
Reviews by Zander Opper 