Hedda Gabler

by Henrik Ibsen Narrated by Marnye Young

Overview

Hedda Gabler is a classic play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Set in the late nineteenth century, the play follows the life of Hedda, a young socialite whose life is filled with endless boredom and longing. As she struggles to find her place in society, Hedda's inner turmoil is reflected in her desperate attempts to break free of the societal norms that bind her. This emotional journey is filled with suspense and drama, as Hedda's choices have the power to shape her own destiny.

With its timeless themes, Hedda Gabler is one of the most powerful and thought-provoking plays of all time. This edition is based on the 1907 translation by William Archer (1856-1924) and Edmund Gosse (1849-1928).

Editorial Reviews

NY Times

...stunning...amazingly contemporary in its considerations of the purpose of life, of the preservation of dignity and integrity...the big issues people don't dare to think about. And here is a staging that does not turn away...

Connecticut Post

...by far the best play of the season...HEDDA GABLER has so many layers. The tragedy plays upon the irony, which acts upon fully drawn characters to make up a thoroughly modern work...You won't see a better production of this fascinating play...

The Record-Journal

When Henrik Ibsen...wrote HEDDA GABLER 110 years ago, a woman's place in society was far different from what it is today. The fact that this psychological drama plays as well now as it did a century ago is apt tribute to the sheer genius of the playwright.

Library Journal

A radio version of the classic Ibsen play, this production benefits from a great British cast led by Juliet Stevenson as Hedda Gabler. The play, as with all Ibsen dramas, is a moving blend of realism and symbolism. The tragic story is universal and timeless, conveying emotions so honest that every listener will relate in some way to the longing and desperation so eloquently expressed by the title character. Stevenson lends the perfect nuance to the role of Hedda. Highly recommended for theater collections in public and academic libraries.-Mark Pumphrey, Polk Cty. P.L., Columbus, NC Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Ibsen's classic is well served by the talents of Juliet Stevenson and seven other British actors, all veterans of the Royal Shakespeare Company, stage, and film. With excellent diction and generally convincing emotion, the polished cast conveys the dark despair that touches everyone in the play, and eventually overwhelms Hedda. Brief, but pleasant music gently marks the end of each act, and sound quality is good throughout. Exceptionally complete liner notes make it easy to find a specific track, and there's plenty of playbill-style information about the performers and the play. While this recordings is not a must buy, it will be a helpful audio component to classes studying the work of Norway's great 19th century playwright.-Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

From the Publisher

The production of an Ibsen play impels the inquiry, What is the province of art? If it be to elevate and refine, as we have hitherto humbly supposed, most certainly it cannot be said that the works of Ibsen have the faintest claim to be artistic. We see no ground on which his method is defensible...Things rank and gross in nature alone have place in the mean and sordid philosophy of Ibsen.” —Excerpt from an original review, 1890s, Saturday Morning Review

JANUARY 2020 - AudioFile

It can take a moment to get accustomed to any full-cast audio performance—the varied voices interact at breakneck speed, and pacing that works on the stage sometimes gives a listener pause. In this audio performance, however, once the adjustment is made, the experience is rewarding. Here, Ibsen's play is in full dramatic effect, with Hedda raving and her husband jauntily oblivious as the intrigue of a marriage with a past plays out in our ears. Some performers do amp up their deliveries and stand out starkly as a result, but the key players are effective in portraying the range of emotions explored. This production is a great introduction to classic stage performances and keeps the listener engaged to the surprise ending. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

JANUARY 2020 - AudioFile

It can take a moment to get accustomed to any full-cast audio performance—the varied voices interact at breakneck speed, and pacing that works on the stage sometimes gives a listener pause. In this audio performance, however, once the adjustment is made, the experience is rewarding. Here, Ibsen's play is in full dramatic effect, with Hedda raving and her husband jauntily oblivious as the intrigue of a marriage with a past plays out in our ears. Some performers do amp up their deliveries and stand out starkly as a result, but the key players are effective in portraying the range of emotions explored. This production is a great introduction to classic stage performances and keeps the listener engaged to the surprise ending. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159209528
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	11/28/2023
Edition description:	Adapted

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