‘Hedda Gabler’ — Written by Henrik Ibsen. Adapted by the company from the translation by Edmund Grosse and William Archer. Directed by Danielle Fauteux Jacques; Scenic and Sound Design by Joseph Lark-Riley; Costume Design by Elizabeth Rocha; Lighting Design by Danielle Fauteux Jacques. Presented by Allpoinnaire Theatre Company at Chelsea Theatre Works, 189 Winnisimmet Street, Chelsea, through March 16.

By Shelley A. Sackett

In ‘Hedda Gabler,’ Ibsen dramatizes the miserable life of his title character, the iconically unclassifiable Hedda Gabler. The pampered daughter of a wealthy general, Hedda recently married the mild-mannered, decidedly middle-class George Tesman. Fearing her years of youthful abandon might be behind her, she snagged the first – and only – bird that actually landed in her hand. “I can’t think of anything ridiculous about him,” she explains when asked by a former suitor why she had settled for George. He is also respectable, conscientious about his research work, and intent, under any circumstances, to look after her.

What George is not, however, is dangerous, sexy or aggressive, three traits Hedda admires, embodies and craves.

Read more “Hell Hath No Fury Like Hedda Gabler’s Scorn”

Hedda Gabler’ – Written by Henrik Ibsen. Directed by Danielle Fauteux Jacques. Stage Management by Kaleb Perez-Albuerne; Costume Design by Elizabeth Rocha; Scenic and Sound Design by Joseph Lark-Riley; Lighting Design by Danielle Fauteux Jacques. Presented by Apollinaire Theatre Company at Chelsea Theatre Works, at 189 Winnisimmet St, Chelsea, MA. through March 16th

By Charlotte Snow 

“One cannot always be mistress of her thoughts.”  Hedda Gabler slyly confides to her aunt-in-law, who counters with, “That is the way of the world.” In that exchange, the play seems to unite all its core questions at once. “What is the source of our suffering and vices?” “Is it written in the stars or in the unwritten rules of society?” “Are we our own internal darkness?” “Or is it a separate entity latched onto us that must be ignored, cut out, or tamed?” Only a moment is needed for Apollinaire Theatre Company to establish that this play will be a thought-provokingly moody masterpiece, even if it will take a few scenes before the plot’s mystery to develop (and unravel).  

Read more “Apollinaire’s ‘Hedda Gabler’ is Sublime”