How to Prepare for Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler (Patreon)

Today we're talking about how to approach reading dramatic literature in preparation for our next play of the season: Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler. 

My recommended adaptation is the 1963 version starring Ingrid Bergman. Turn the lights down low and treat yourself to a viewing here. 

And my recommended edition of the play is the Jens Arup translation in Oxford World's Classics paperback here.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 our next play of the season
• 1:10 two tips for how to read a play
• 2:20 recommended version of Hedda Gabler
• 3:30 the joys of the theatre
• 4:30 the character of Hedda Gabler
• 5:20 the value of art as entertainment
• 7:44 theatre as living art form
• 9:20 getting into character
• 12:20 focusing on character & theme
• 12:42 Harold Bloom on Hedda Gabler
• 18:26 some questions for you

Areas to Explore:

• Five Truths: The National Theatre shows us what a difference applied dramatic theories can make with their 'Five Truths' series. They performed the same scene, with Ophelia from Hamlet, using the approaches of theorists and directors like Stansislavki, Artaud, and Brecht. You can enjoy the experiment here. 
• Playwrights on Ibsen: This is a fascinating discussion on playwright experiences with drama in translation and writing new versions of the great dramatist's plays for contemporary audiences.
• National Theatre Production: The next adaptation that I am personally most excited to watch is this recent one starring Ruth Wilson in the title role.
• Hedda Gabler Ballet: The Norwegian National Ballet have reimagined this incredible drama through dance. You can see what a superb job they have done here. 
• Suzman & McKellen: For an alternative to the Bergman recommendation above, you might like to try out this 1973 version of Hedda Gabler with Janet Suzman and Ian McKellen.

Questions for You:

1) What was the best play you have ever seen? 

2) What makes a dramatic production work for you? 

3) Have you found any challenges that are unique to drama when it comes to literary appreciation? 

Happy reading, everybody!