Hedda Tesman at The Lowry
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Inspired by the characters of Ibsen’s classic play, Chichester Festival Theatre, Headlong and The Lowry have joined forces to create a sensational and stylish new twist in the tale. Hedda Tesman is a tense thriller offering a fresh and feminist perspective on Henrik Ibsen’s infamous text.
This co-production sees Hedda as a modern-day woman who finds herself replaying the history written for her all over again. After three decades of playing wife, Hedda is resentful and bored. When her estranged daughter, Thea, suddenly reappears asking for help, Hedda senses that history is beginning to repeat itself, and starts on a path of destruction.
A fresh and feminist perspective on Henrik Ibsen’s infamous text.
Hedda Tesman boasts an all-star cast, including Hollywood film-star Jonathan Hyde (‘The Mummy’, ‘Titanic’, ‘Jumanji’), TV’s Anthony Calf (‘New Tricks’); we can’t wait to see Haydn Gwynne take on the title role, in what promises to be a ‘tour de force’ performance.
Written by Cordelia Lynn, Hedda Tesman is not an adaptation or sequel to Ibsen’s original play, Hedda Gabler – it is a brand new work. And perhaps most pleasingly, Hessa Tesman can be appreciated by those who are not familiar with the original play.
This vital new exploration has been forged by a triple threat of female creatives.
We’re most excited that this vital new exploration has been forged by a triple threat of female creatives: writer, director and lead performer. Examining motifs around motherhood, power and sabotage, Holly Race Roughan directs this bold and relevant piece of theatre. Most appealingly, Lynn has reimagined Ibsen’s young and volatile Hedda, as a woman in her 50s – an age group so often under-represented on stage.
Hedda is one of theatre’s most unforgettable characters – her actions and desires have captivated audiences for over a century – this production looks set to only deepen our fascination.
