Where: Reading Rep Theatre, Reading
Writer: Harriet Madeley (Originally Henrik Ibsen)
Director: Annie Kershaw
In this modern adaptation of the play Hedda's sexuality is explored, shifting one of the originally male characters to female. Not only does this bring the play further into it's social context but it explores angles of the play and reasons for Hedda's actions in a different way. Similarly by shifting the play forward to the modern day it shows how some things haven't changed surrounding the views and opinions many people still have on women in society today. Having not seen the original I cannot comment on the differences this has on the story and characters, but I loved it. I felt that the choice worked really well for the character of Hedda and it felt natural as if perhaps it was something always secretly there even in the original. The character herself is textured with depth and nuances and it was really intriguing discussing this with friends after leaving the theatre, as often our opinions or readings into moments differed. Whilst my friends felt they didn't like Hedda throughout, I strangely felt sympathy for her and was on her side for much of the play despite her being quite obviously rude to those around her. I felt sorry for her feeling so trapped and unable to express herself. This idea of being able to express yourself is a really big theme within this production, not only through the secrets Hedda and other characters keep from each other but also what is kept from the audience. Whilst we are led to believe Hedda is showing us more than she shows others, still she is never able to fully express everything and so the ending is still somewhat shocking to us. The director also played with this idea of expression further with the use of microphones and lighting, when the characters spoke into microphones they were supposedly telling the truth, things they only wanted that one person to hear. For me at times it felt as if these were the things they wanted to say but actually they were just imagining the conversation and it never really happened. Particularly with the inclusion of differing sexual identities, this was a really interesting theme of the play to highlight, that was perhaps not so present in the original but massively relevant to life in the modern day.
I felt that Anna Popplewell's performance was strong, she had a very clear understanding of the character and held that confidently throughout. At times you could tell she was still getting used to performing live for an audience, with moments where it felt like she was perhaps holding back a little, but for this being the opening night of her stage debut this is totally understandable and she did a really great job. In fact all the performances were really strong showing each characters individual nature within the story. I felt that they brilliantly played off each other, clearly indicating the parts of the characters that are supposed to be inferred through their actions rather than the text. One of the strongest parts of this ensemble is the way they feel as if they are as one, it is so clear that they are tight knit and all share the same aim of creating an incredible piece of theatre, and they definitely achieve that. My one criticism in this area would be that I felt they could have taken her craziness/defensive nature to another level and perhaps over played it a little it to shock and excite the audience further. That being said toning it down in the way they did made the characters much more relatable in a modern context and emphasised the idea that she is battling an internal struggle that is raw and difficult rather than just being a mad woman. I found the character fascinating and would love to explore her further within the context of this production and beyond.
The set for this show was also really interesting, taking place on a raised platform surrounded by semi-transparent sheeting. There is a conversation pit surrounded by pink carpeting, a piano stage right and boxes and flower scattered around. I was surprised by how unannoyed I felt at how cluttered it was, often I find less is more but for this I think the compactness and enclosed feeling that came from the set, really played with the idea of it feeling trapped and claustrophobic. Whilst somehow the lighting and the carpet made it feel warm and homey in an uncomfortable way. It really helped the audience to connect deeper with Hedda and almost experience her dilemma with her. The conversation pit did get in the way a little, often they almost forgot it was there and just stood in it having a conversation with someone who wasn't on the same level, meaning they were looking up at them. This could have been a choice emphasising the power George had over Hedda, but it felt a little odd to me. Also there was very little space on the platform behind it and sometimes the performers would sort of shuffle to get past. Saying this I thought the overarching ideas of the set and the way that worked with the lighting created some really original images, that worked brilliantly for the performance. Similarly bringing up the lighting, it was used effectively helping to create dramatic moments and emphasis certain emotions, whilst never feeling like it was over used or trying to show off.
I found it difficult to pin point the things I loved about this production, it was well put together, a brilliant story and an incredible atmosphere, with great performances and some really interesting and thought provoking ideas. I particularly found it interesting listening to my friend who had seen a production of the original script and the things they had changed and why they might have done those things. Overall, I absolutely loved this production, it has really stuck with me. After doing a little research I now realise this is quite a well-loved venue, but part of me feels like I've found a hidden gem in this production. The theatre its self is brilliant, it feels really welcoming and despite being so small there's a real buzz about the place, and the play its self was incredible. It goes to show that there is superb creative work being made in so many places in the UK not just in London's West End.
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