Molly Atkinson talks Hedda Gabler with Antoni Cimolino

What happens when you restrict a woman from expressing her thoughts? What is it like to be a woman in a patriarchal world?
Molly Atkinson, Director of Hedda Gabler, sits down with Stratford Festival Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino to address these questions as they discuss Henrik Ibsen's controversial play adapted by Patrick Marber. Listen as Atkinson revisits how the play was criticized when it first premièred in Munich due to its depiction of an unconventional woman with “masculine” characteristics. Some may judge Hedda’s ways of navigating a world where men hold control over women, but as Atkinson suggests, Hedda "is all of us." By the end of this conversation, listeners will understand why the director believes everyone in the audience at Hedda Gabler will find moments of understanding and connection to even the play’s complex anti-hero.
Hedda Gabler
By Henrik Ibsen
A new version by Patrick Marber
From a literal translation by Karin and Ann Bamborough
Directed by Molly Atkinson
Set and Costume Designer - Lorenzo Savoini
Lighting Designer - Kaileigh Krysztofiak
Composer, Sound Designer - Mishelle Cuttler
Fight and Intimacy Director - Anita Nittoly
00:00 Intro
01:33 First reaction on this Hedda opportunity
03:13 What is Hedda Gabler? and Who is Ibsen?
05:08 “London Assurance” crossover - Playwright eclipsed by Ibsen
06:03 Ibsen's inspiration / writing perspective
06:55 “…the story is still so relevant…”
07:02 Hedda's character
08:42 One of Ibsen's point of the play
09:05 A spoiler alert - that'll make you want to watch the play even more
10:07 Patrick Marber's version of the play
12:57 How historically people use to consume theatre
13:51 Plot synopsis, part 1
16:02 The clash between the class system
16:57 Ejlert Lövborg character breakdown
18:22 When Ejlert meets Thea
18:48 Plot synopsis: part 2
19:50 Lövborg’s downfall
20:29 The 19th century cross-currents
21:32 When this play was first produced
22:36 Understanding Hedda's motives
24:31 Power dynamics as a woman
25:18 Interesting anecdote
27:01 Plot recap
27:57 Judge Brack, character breakdown
29:37 Hedda & Lövborg’s relationship
31:39 Hedda's Jealousy
32:35 Does Hedda experience love?
34:01 Director's Process
36:59 Molly's rehearsal room energy
37:43 Molly's rehearsal room project for the actors
39:23 Why should people go see Hedda?
40:46 Brilliant designer, sexy clothes
40:59 Creating in the Tom Paterson theatre
41:08 Overall feelings for the audience to take with them

[@shrimponthebarbie]

Saw this on the weekend. It was excellent!! Well done to the cast and crew 🎉