The Artistic Home’s ‘Hedda Gabler’ Is A Fantastically Charged Ride
Hedda Gabler is the story of what happens when a woman goes from prim and proper expectations to feeling like a cornered animal. This production is lush and full of talent, just waiting for you to buy your tickets!
When I was in college, reading Hedda Gabler was part of the curriculum. A classic play with a strong female lead, this was one of those shows that got performed in parts and studied extensively.
That was a long time ago now and my recollection is hazy, but I have fond memories and remember thinking that I wanted to get back to the play one day. I couldn’t be more thrilled that seeing it performed in this production was how it ended up happening.
Hedda Gabler is the story of Hedda Gabler, a woman recently married to studious intellectual Jorge Tesman, who has just returned home from her honeymoon of 6 months. While Tesman loved the honeymoon and the opportunities to study, collect books, and learn, Hedda was quietly along for the ride. A proper young woman of the times who would be looked at strangely if she were out alone or with someone other than her husband, there weren’t many other choices.
Upon returning home, the disconnected couple is visited at different times by Tesman’s Aunt Julie (who is very excited about the possibility of a baby), Hedda’s former schoolmate Thea Elvsted (looking for assistance from the couple), local Judge Brack (making his slick presence known), and later, Ejlert Lovborg (who has been asked to visit).
Throughout the show, Hedda’s small life begins to close in around her. Her only entertainment is living vicariously through others, and when that is not enough, manipulating the situation for her own amusement. Typically, that doesn’t end well.
The Artistic Home’s production of Hedda Gabler is first, lovely to look at. The set is broken up into three rooms, each divided by a step, moving from the front of the theater to the back. The front room is a sitting room, with two chairs by the fire, a couch, and a lounge chair. The second contains Hedda’s piano and desk with chair and the third is a dining table.
The costumes are full of rich colors and layers that are exceptionally fun to observe, and as an audience member, you find yourself looking at the intricacies of various pieces. Even Hedda’s all-black clothing has subtle pops of color.
The cast is tremendous. Brookelyn Hébert’s Hedda is semi-regal and put-together with high expectations, but increasingly ill-at-ease to the point where you see her wanting to claw through her own skin to escape her situation. Todd Wojcik’s Tesman is sweet and well-meaning while also completely obtuse and distracted. John Mossman’s Judge Brack is beautifully put together in much the same way a snake has beautiful scales.
The one thing that kept going through my mind during the performance was how natural all the actors were. Their conversations feel sincere (complete with people talking on top of each other, as naturally happens) and that makes it increasingly interesting and immersive as a viewer. This is something that you don’t always see (or need to see), but particularly in a show that was written in the late 1800s, it’s very unique and appealing.
The show is also incredibly funny. The humor is often dry or sarcastic, and it is smart and engaging in ways that draw you into the story. But at times, where the humor sat a moment ago, tension begins to build. It is this pendulum that swings back and forth through the entire play, to the point where the intensity is rich and palpable. It’s fantastic.
Hedda Gabler is a sophisticated play about a woman who is larger than her circumstances and exploits situations for her own amusement. It is wonderful to look at and even better to experience. Be sure to see it!
Hedda Gabler runs for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. It is suitable for ages 16 and up, but I think that younger teenagers could enjoy it as well depending on their maturity level.
The Artistic Home: Hedda Gabler Chicago Review – Hedda Gabler is playing at The Den Theatre through 3/30/25. Tickets can be purchased on The Artistic Home website or by calling (773) 697-3830. The Den Theatre is located at 1331 N Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago.