Overview

Synopsis

Hedda Gabler focusses on the frustrated existence of its title character, exploring core issues of power, control, and social expectation. Bored and restricted by her middle-class environment, Hedda plays out her own fantasies and psychological games with those nearest to her to an ultimately costly end. The play opens as Hedda and her academic husband, Georges Tesman, return from honeymoon and immediately it is clear that Hedda is neither happy nor satisfied in her new role as Tesman’s wife. She is, however, pregnant. Soon after their return, Hedda is reacquainted with an old school friend, Mrs. Elvsted, and the brilliant but wayward writer Eilert Loevborg. It becomes clear that Hedda has personal history with Loevborg and it is at this point that her machinations begin. Hedda finds pleasure in manipulating Loevborg into drinking again and thus ruining both his career and his relationship with Mrs. Elvsted. Ultimately she persuades the conflicted writer to take his own life. However, Hedda finds herself under the control of their imposing friend, Judge Brack, who makes it clear that he knows she gave Loevborg the gun. He has the power to socially destroy her if he so wished. Trapped under his control, Hedda retreats in to the rear room and shoots herself.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
4
First Produced
1891
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
drawing room in the villa of george tesman, norway, 1890s
Cast Size
small
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Mature Audiences, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Hedda Tesman (née Gabler)

Lead

Female

Spoken

George Tesman

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Mrs. Elvsted

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Eilert Loevborg

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Judge Brack

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Miss Juliana Tesman

Featured

Female

Spoken

Bertha

Featured

Female

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

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Key Terms

    A written statement declaring the artistic or political intentions of a theatrical movement or company.

    Naturalism is a theatrical style that seeks to depict life with accuracy, focusing on everyday speech, behavior, and settings. It often highlights ordinary people in realistic environments, emphasizing authenticity over theatricality. Emerging in the late 19th century, naturalism remains influential in contemporary drama.

    A theatrical movement that strives to depict everyday life and authentic behavior on stage. It often focuses on domestic settings and psychological depth.

    A philosophical underpinning of Naturalism in theatre, asserting that behavior is shaped by heredity and environment.

    A neoclassical principle dictating unity of time, place, and action, influencing dramatic structure in theatre history.

    A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release. Categories: Dramatic Genre, Greek Theatre, Themes

    The appearance of being true or real in a dramatic context, central to Realist and Naturalist traditions.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher