Beauty, money, boredom, power.
Knoxville Theatre Club is best known for bringing fresh and original points of view to pivotal theater classics. Later this September, they will bring the Norwegian psychodrama “Hedda Gabler” to Knoxville theatregoers.
Although this Henrik Ibsen work differs greatly in tone from his best-known play, “A Doll’s House,” there are similar themes of women’s independence, bodily autonomy, and the meaning of survival in a society hostile to women who dare to be satisfied with their own lives.
In “Hedda Gabler,” the titular character is a newlywed already bored by her marriage to the academic George Tesman. Pressure is building for the couple to have children, despite looming financial troubles. The day after the couple arrives home, however, Hedda’s desire for “entertainment” is soon fulfilled. As Hedda’s house fills with the drama of unrequited love and monetary ruin, she gleefully provokes everyone who enters, sealing the fate of friends and foes alike.
Cast: Holly Andrew, Susan Jackson, Caleb Burnham, Sara Gaddis, Sienna Wood, Steve Trigg, Ben Park.
Content warning: This play depicts gunplay, gunfire and self-harm.
Performances will be September 17-October 3, running Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees. Located at the Borderland Theater, 802 Sevier Avenue. Tickets are available online at https://knoxvilletheatreclub.
