Rutgers–Camden Theater: Hedda Gabler
October 26-29
Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 pm
Sunday at 2:00 pm
Walter K. Gordon Theater
Ibsen’s classic Hedda Gabler opens Rutgers–Camden Theater’s fall season.
Rutgers–Camden Theater opens its fall season with Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler in a version by Richard Eyre, former artistic director of Britain’s National Theatre. The show runs for five performances on the stage of the Walter K. Gordon Theater, October 26-29; performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm, with matinee performances on Friday October 27 at 10:00 am and Sunday October 29 at 2:00 pm.
Hedda Gabler is one of the most rivetingly complex characters in modern drama, often regarded as the female Hamlet, and Ibsen’s 1890 masterpiece consistently defies audience expectations. Hedda and her husband have just arrived home from their honeymoon and their marriage is already in trouble. Feeling trapped, Hedda schemes to manipulate those around her with tragic results.
Like his earlier play, A Doll’s House, Hedda Gabler focuses on a failed marriage to examine the broader issue of the role of women in society. But the play is far more than feminist propaganda. The critic Michael Billington calls it, “a study of a changing world in which Hedda would sadly have no place.”
“It is the mission of Rutgers–Camden Theater to present to present a mix of classic and modern plays and musicals,” according to the director, Kenneth Elliott, chair of the Department of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts. “It’s wonderful to witness the versatility of these student actors who most recently played in the rock musical Rent, as they master the conventions of 19th century drama.”
The cast of seven Rutgers–Camden students is headed by Taylor Eccles of Colonia as Hedda Gabler. Andrew Merkle of Blairstown plays her husband, George Tesman. Ryan Pletcher of Millville is the lecherous Judge Brack. The cast is rounded out by Alana Rivera-Mills of Raleigh, NC as Thea, Na’Shon Wilson of East Orange as Eilert Loevborg, Nayeli DeJesus of Camden as Miss Tesman, and Vivianna Aviles of Woodlynne as Berthe. The scenery is by Prof. James Mobley, Prof. Millie Hiibel is creating the costumes, and Mike Inwood is the lighting designer.
Tickets are available at the Impact Booth in the Campus Center, at the box office one hour prior to performances, and online at https://our.show/vmpa/heddagabler.
Up to two tickets are free for Rutgers–Camden students with ID.