Audience members slowly found their seats and looked upon the odd set for Longwood University Department of Theatre's first production of the 2013-2014 season, "Hedda M Gabler." It was difficult not to notice the odd stage set up. The down stage was plainly set with a couch, a chair and two tables. However, the entire stage was encompassed by gigantic steel arches, and upstage center was a huge clock face that loomed large over the delicate furniture.
As the production began the lights came up on Miss Tesman, played by Taylor Bosta, and the family's maid, Berte, played by Makenzie Matthews. The two characters had a somewhat confusing conversation that nevertheless revealed Miss Tesman to be a kind hearted woman who was caring for her sick sister. Enter Jorgen Tesman, played by Alex Johnson, who seemed to burst onto the stage with a much needed shot of energy. A lively performance by Johnson that proves even more impressive when you find out that it was his debut performance!
Jorgen and his aunt, Miss Tesman, have a somewhat lively conversation about Jorgen's honeymoon and plans for he and his new bride when the new bride appears, and she isn't exactly blushing.
From the moment Hedda Gabler, played by Maggie Williams, slinks onto the stage, the audience grows tense. If played a certain way, Hedda could seem like just a bored, mean spirited housewife, poking fun at Miss Tesman and her blissfully unaware new husband.
However, Williams gave the character the perfect mix of edge and sarcastic humor that made it hard to take your eyes off of her. She moved like a snake in the grass weaving in and out of those steel arches as the tension mounted.
As the production continues, you find Hedda interacting with a cast of characters that all seem to have some interesting secret desires.
Mrs. Elvsted, played by Abbie Swanson, is sweet and simple. A perfect opposite of the calculating Hedda, who seems to find an immense amount of joy in intimidating and bullying her.
The set, with its oddly placed steel arches and manic-looking clock as the main focal point, looked like what one would imagine the inside of a Disney villain's brain to look like. This proved rather appropriate given Hedda Gabler's overall morality and personality.
Every so often the lights on the clock face would change to a vibrant red color without warning which helped to build the overall tension that's necessary to make this particular show work.
Williams makes no connection of herself to her character and sees them differently even after her amazing performance. “I do not think I can relate to the things she goes through in her life. I am also not a sociopath with no emotion or empathy. However, I do see a desperation in her for freedom from her bondages as a female,” said Williams regarding her character. “The responsibilities that she had as a woman of that society were certainly a torturous affair, and I know I would have been just as frustrated as she was.”
At one point in the show Hedda changes costumes into a vibrant pink gown that nicely sets her apart from all the other characters who wear more muted colors. All and all, the show was a technical success.
“We started out strong from the first rehearsal to the first show and I am very confident that we will continue to make a solid case for this play,” said Williams. “Ibsen would be so proud!”
Longwood University's Department of Theatre's next show is "The Love Of Three Oranges," which opens November 7.
Maggie Williams (left), who portrays the title character, and Alex Johnson (right) star in the season's first production.
