Bard Fest Indianapolis completes its ambitious 2023 season with Jon Robin Baitz’ adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, directed by Chris Saunders of American Lives Theatre. First produced 130 years ago, the play is remarkable in its enduring portrayal of human flaws and desires.
Director Saunders has flash upgraded the piece with a touch of modernism – in the look of the costuming, the set with electric lights. The production is outfitted with a superior cast, well-led to sharp storytelling.
George Tesman (Joe Wagner) shares a “tender” moment with his wife Hedda Gabler (Morgan Morton). (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
Morgan Morton takes the complex title role and provides a nuanced performance of the renowned character. In turns bored, flirtatious, sinister, selfish, manipulative, and destructive – Ms. Morton steadily maintains the troubled woman’s quirksome qualities throughout her strong portrayal while stepping through the litany of Hedda’s flawed characteristics.
Joe Wagner plays Hedda’s new husband, George Tesman, allowing his optimistic qualities to shine. Oblivious to his new wife’s flaws and temperament, he prattles away about his academic career, his aunts, and his hopes for a staid life – the very source of her boredom. Anna Himes adds a determined Thea Elvsted to the mix. Ms. Himes’ intensities are well placed in her role, matching an acute frailness with a staunch single-mindedness.
Likewise, Matt Kraft’s Eilert Lovborg is multi-layered as he counters confidence in his brilliance with his disastrous undoing. A frantic scene about the loss of his manuscript comes off with fierce agonies that land well. Clay Mabbitt drips with assured evil as Judge Brack, the conniving antagonist. Mabbitt shows a subtleness of disruptive planning behind his apt facial expressions and movements preceding his marked malevolence.
Susan Hill and Carrie Reiberg take the parts of Aunt Julia Tesman and housemaid Berta. Ms. Hill brings a necessary lightness to the proceedings, while Ms. Reiberg’s turn is solid and sets a tone of imbalance.
Judge Brack (Clay Mabbitt) threatens Hedda Gabler (Morgan Morton). (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
The set is widespread across the Theatre at the Fort stage – a bit too wide to my senses as a front row patron, but the addition of a deep upstage room in the center is a good touch, I believe. Costuming as coordinated by Anthony Sirk adds interest.
Bottom line: This very engaging production has notes of richness throughout. It makes for a fine exclamation point for Bard Fest’s successful season.
Hedda Gabler continues at Theatre at the Fort (8920 Otis Ave., Lawrence) through Nov. 12. For ticket info and reservations go to artsforlawrence.org/tickets and look for the dated Hedda Gabler listings.
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