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 an amorous 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."

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. Director David Leavitt notes, "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