Is 'Hedda Gabler' past its prime?

Love, loss, money, fear, fame and betrayal come together with fatal consequences in "Hedda Gabler." Theatre-Intime's current production of Henrik Ibsen's late 19th-century drama, directed by Jennie Klein '01 — while as good an interpretation as possible of this often predictable play — is unable to generate the energy and excitement inherent in a truly memorable theatrical experience.

Set in Norway in 1890, the play revolves around Hedda (Katie Flynn '02), a manipulative and disgruntled newlywed. Upon returning from her extended and dull honeymoon, Hedda stirs up the lives of those around her for her own entertainment — and with drastic repercussions for others.

Hedda, who at one time was the town beauty, is overwhelmed by the disappointing turn her life has taken. She flagrantly dismisses her husband and his family in front of others and finds no shame in manipulating people — even to the point of ruining their lives.

Yet even after nearly two hours, Ibsen fails to convey to the audience what is truly at the root of Hedda's reproachable behavior. She is merely an unlikable woman who inspires no patience or sympathy.

In contrast, George Tesman (Mike Boyle '02), Hedda's loving husband who is entirely manipulated by his wife's whims, is adorably endearing. He is blind to Hedda's fabrications and subject to the doting of his aunt Juliane (Kt Benincasa, a member of the Princeton community). The childish way in which George falls into Hedda's traps is one of the play's saving graces.

Hedda also maintains peculiar relationships with her former admirer Judge Brack (Tim Kerr '01) and her former lover Eilert Lovborg (David Brundige '04). She twists the naive and confused Thea Elvested (Barbara Luse '04) around her finger as the young runaway wife relies on Hedda's aide to sort out her life.

Juliane Tesman, the other strong female character in "Hedda Gabler" clashes with Hedda, and is perhaps the only one in the play who can see beyond Hedda's facade to discover her true self. At least the maid Berta (Allison Smith '03) isn't having a one-dimensional personality disorder, unlike the other characters.

The action, which spans 24 hours, takes place in a single location — the Tesmans' living room. Yet thanks to set designers Allie Tepper '01 and Sarah Rodriguez '03, the two-level set provides for visual entertainment whenever the dialogue fails. Combined with Robin Giese '02's simple but effective lighting design, the scenery on stage appears much more imposing than just a theater set.

The costumes also help to enliven the show. Designer Jeanne Woon '01 stays true to the time period in the one or two costumes worn by each actor.

Flynn coolly portrays the contemptuous Hedda. She is complemented by Boyle's jolly and on-the-nose performance as her husband.

In addition, the new faces to the Intime stage are refreshing for seasoned Princeton theatergoers. In particular, Brundige delivers an energetic performance as Eilert Lovborg. The entire cast is effective and seems enthusiastic throughout.

"Hedda Gabler" is a difficult play to direct, but Klein's production flows smoothly. She manages to bring more vitality to the story than is present in Ibsen's text. The play is deeply dated, and seems trite by today's standards.

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The dialogue is at best confrontational and at worst, less than eloquent. Ibsen's take on different perceptions of love is valid — but it's a pity that he chose to examine it through such superficial characters. The characters are caricatures and do not evolve as the plot — slowly — unfolds.

One admirable aspect of Theatre-Intime's production of this not-particularly-memorable story is that it reminds audiences of the many elements that go into a production. When Ibsen fails to engross attention, there is plenty of time to admire the set and costumes.

Though "Hedda Gabler" is a sub-par show, this reflects more on the play itself than Klein's production. Though I know I will return to Theatre-Intime in the near future, I will not rush to another Ibsen play any time soon. Maybe I don't appreciate the true value of Ibsen's work. Alternately, perhaps "Hedda Gabler" has been around for long enough, and should now meet the same fate as its title character.

Theatre-Intime presents "Hedda Gabler." Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Call (609) 258-4950 for reservations.