Ohio State Lima takes on tragic icon Hedda Gabler

Guest designer Dennis Christilles returns for production

The Ohio State University at Lima Department of Theatre presents Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler (English version by Doug Hughes) at 8 p.m., May 17-19 and 2 p.m., Sunday, May 20, 2007, in the Martha W. Farmer Theatre for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for students, and $4 for seniors and children. For tickets or information, call the Box Office at (419) 995-8382.

Hedda Gabler is considered one of the great modern tragedies and the title character is seen as the female equivalent of the Hamlet role. The Ohio State Lima production has been enhanced with the addition of Dr. Dennis Christilles to the creative team as guest designer. Christilles’ set brings a new dimension to the interpretation of the play, reflecting Ibsen’s metaphor of the beautiful cage in which Hedda finds herself.

Synopsis

Hedda, the famous daughter of General Gabler, married George Tesman out of desperation, but she found life with him to be dull and tedious. During their wedding trip, her husband spent most of his time in libraries doing research in history for a book that is soon to be published. He is hoping to receive a position in the university.

An old friend of Hedda’s comes to visit her and tells her of Eilert Lövborg, an old friend of both women. Eilert Lövborg has also written a book on history that is highly respected. In the past, however, he has lived a life of degeneration. Now he has quit drinking and devoted himself to serious work. His new book has all the imagination and spirit that is missing in George Tesman’s book. Hedda’s friend, Thea Elvsted, tells how she has helped Eilert stop drinking and begin constructive work.

Later at a visit, Lövborg is offered a drink. He refuses and Hedda, jealous over the influence that Thea has on Lövborg, tempts him into taking a drink. He then goes to a party where he loses his manuscript. When George Tesman returns home with Lövborg’s manuscript, Hedda burns it because she is jealous of it. Later, Lövborg comes to her and confesses how he has failed in his life. Hedda talks him into committing suicide by shooting himself in the temple. Lövborg does commit suicide later but it is through a wound in the stomach. George then begins to reconstruct Lövborg’s manuscript with the help of notes provided by Thea Elvsted. Suddenly, Hedda leaves the room, takes her pistols, and commits suicide.

Cast

Hedda Gabler Stephanie Seaman of Lima

Bertha Bethany Small of Bellefontaine

Eilert Lovborg Brian Joseph of Lima

Thea Elvsted Nellie Smith of Lima

George Tesman Scott Sperling of Ada

Judge Brack Brett Shingledecker of Lima

Julianna Tesman Ashley Dillen of Elida

Director Dr. Maria Ignatieva, Associate Professor of Theatre, Ohio State Lima

Producer Dr. Joe Brandesky, Professor of Theatre, Ohio State Lima

Set and Costume Designer Dr. Dennis Christilles, University of Kansas

Technical Director, Lighting Designer, Poster Design Brad Steinmetz

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Ohio State Lima

Costumer Loo Brandesky