Review: Hedda Gabler (Barefaced Theatre)

Review by Ray Tempesta

While watching this captivating production of Hedda Gabler I couldn't help but call to mind Alphonse Karr's observation that "the more things change, the more they stay the same".

For although Ibsen's hugely influential piece was written more than 130 years ago, plenty of the play's key themes still resonate today, particularly with regards to societal and domestic pressures on women and the power that men still frustratingly exert.

So it was patently clear why the female-led company Barefaced Theatre chose this play as only their second-ever production to stage, and they very much succeeded in their aim to promote discussion around the topics raised by the piece.

Key to the success of their production was the intense, claustrophobic atmosphere they created within the confines of the Tesman's newly acquired apartment. Plastic sheeting masked the unfinished white walls, and the stark room was scantly adorned with hard-edged furniture. In addition, the harsh strings of the musical accompaniment to the opening of each scene perfectly set the tone for the taut drama that was to follow.

Of course, the portrayal of Hedda herself is absolutely pivotal, and Christina Isgrove gave us a beguiling performance - sharp-tongued, unkind, and manipulative, but also vulnerable, frustrated, and distraught to be trapped in a relationship and a world where her wings are clipped.

In support of Isgrove was Harry Quirk who excellently characterised the kind and loving, but ultimately dull and scholarly George Tesman. Will Isgrove was superb as the ominous, calculating Judge Tack, while Vanessa McAuley and Shem Jacobs were impactful in their roles as the naïve Thea Elvsted and the troubled Eilert Løvborg.

It wasn't quite perfect; a couple of portrayals didn't quite fit the naturalistic style of their fellow actors, which was slightly jarring, and the initially inventive burning of Eilert's manuscript lost a bit of its impact after stretching to an over-indulgent length. But this is small fry in what was a high quality, slickly produced, confident interpretation of a classic drama from this fledgling company.

Barefaced Theatre will be back in late August with a tour of the Greek tragedy, Medea, which will play at a few venues in Norfolk and Suffolk.