PRESS RELEASE FOR THE KING OF PRUSSIA PLAYERS

Henrik Ibsen drama "Hedda Gabler"

Feb. 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.

This press release can be excerpted or used in full. It is available for download at www.kofpplayers.org (under Publicity). Call 610-277-9505 to arrange a photo shoot or to inquire about on-line photo availability.

The King of Prussia Players bring a touch of Norway to Upper Merion with the performance of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler." The drama will be performed in an intimate studio setting on the stage at Upper Merion Area High School in King of Prussia. Ibsen's drama opens a window into the life of intelligent and strong-willed Hedda Gabler (Kathleen Carlin) as she struggles with the strictures of Victorian life. Hedda, the upper-crust daughter of a respected general, is now the bourgeois wife of Jurgen Tesman (Christopher DeWitt), an ineffective academic who spent most of their honeymoon digging around in libraries. Hedda's only diversions are visits from Jurgen's cloying Aunt Julia (Charla Bendas) and a lecherous neighbor, Judge Brack (Ben Hynson). The sudden reappearance of old beau Eilert Lovborg (Jim Ludovici) and former schoolmate Thea Elvsted (Julie Marra) cause Hedda to embark on a dangerous---and ultimately fatal---game of manipulation in a desperate effort to find some measure of independence and "control a human destiny."

Director David Leavitt believes a new translation of Ibsen's drama published last year will be a pleasant surprise to people familiar with earlier versions. "I've read at least five translations of "Hedda Gabler." The problem with some of them is the language is much more early 20th-century. It seems stilted to the modern ear. There's one other translation that worked reasonably well, but it was a little too colloquial. I felt this translation gives the right combination of modern sensibility without becoming too trendy." He is also working with the cast to balance the dramatic tension with some lighter touches of comic relief. "People tend to see 'Hedda Gabler' as strictly a tragedy---the tragedy of Hedda, a woman caught outside her time. But Ibsen also brought humor to how he treated the bourgeoisie of his time. In the treatment of Jurgen Tesman, for example....If we see him as an academic who's out of his depth in human relationships, his gaffes become humorous. Auntie Julia's reactions are very funny. For example, when Hedda mistakes her hat for the maid's, Julia picks up a parasol and says, 'That's mine, too.' It's a funny moment, and if we play it as straight seriousness, we lose that aspect of the show."

The production will also note, but not flaunt, the sexual tensions suggested by the script. Explains Leavitt, "The sexuality in Victorian times tended not to be anywhere near as open as our times, and we're not going to play it as a very open thing. However, reading the text, comparing the various translations, there are strong overtones of sexuality. With Hedda and the three men in the play, as well as overtones between Hedda and Thea. In the production, you will see these as hinted at. We are not going to make it obvious, because even brought-up-to-date it's never obvious."

Authentic Norwegian props and decorations will add a touch of authenticity to the Players' production. Pronunciation of names were confirmed with the Norwegian embassy, which also provided some pieces for set dressing. The director notes, "As with any show that is part of its time, this is very much a Norwegian show. It's mainly in the little things---we're trying to get the specificity of the place as a way of conveying the universality of the message."

Performances will be Feb. 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. For information and directions, call 610-277-9505 or visit the Players' Web site at www.kofpplayers.org