Hedda Gabler - UWA Graduate Dramatic Society (Dolphin Theatre)

The graduate dramatic society's production of Henrik Ibsen's play, Hedda Gabler, is a solid and rewarding production currently showing at UWA's Dolphin Theatre. The entire play takes place in the Tesmans living room and a smaller room to the back of the stage. Hedda's piano is never viewed but as a most effective technique, piano music is played when the curtain is lowered which happens each time a costume change is required. The sound of the piano playing softly from behind the curtain gives the audience a feeling that Hedda is sitting alone playing and involving herself with one of the few things that seems to give her any pleasure. The entire cast puts in convincing performances (although perhaps some of the English accents tend to be a little inconsistent). Martin Forsey as the calculating Judge Brack is a stand out with his compelling stage presence and resonant voice. In this respect Forsey's Brack is an entertaining contest for Grant Watson's naïve and overindulgent Tesman and the interplay between them, although brief, is memorable. The costumes of Hedda Gabler are impressive; especially considering the production would have been made on a moderate budget. The wonderful Kate McGinniskin who plays Mrs Elvsted is particularly striking with her attractive bustle and dress and late Victorian hair style. Janny O'Connell , who remains on stage for the entire length of the play, also makes a solid contribution as the disconsolate and poisonous Hedda. O'Connell's movements across the stage and menacing smirks are sensed throughout the action even when dialogue takes place between other characters. The direction of the play, by Colin O'Brien is insightful with the characters often taking up the entire area of the Dolphin Theatre stage. Of particular note is the silent card game taking place between Brack and Tesman at the back of the stage as Hedda, Mrs Elvsted and Ejlert Lovborg heatedly discuss their issues in the foreground. A small criticism however, is that too often characters are facing away from the audience and their influence on the action is subsequently diminished. In summary Hedda Gabler is well worth a visit, a professional and provocative production and an engrossing evening at the theatre.