It was in 2005 that I first went to see Hedda Gabler. Eve Best took the title role with support from a young Benedict Cumberbatch and Iain Glen. Not only is this new production in modern dress, it has a crackling ultra modern version written by the incomparable Patrick Marber. I still remember his After Miss Julie at the Donmar Warehouse in 2003. Hedda is played by the brilliant Ruth Wilson. All the reviews seem to have a different take on what sort of woman is Hedda. We know she marries Tesman to put her "chaotic" life behind her. Obviously beautiful, lots of men in tow, but still a strong woman in a male dominated society. She craves "power" and will do anything to find a person's secret and turn it against them.
The director is Ivo van Hove and his visual treats are as good as the performances he gains from an excellent cast. Rafe Spall as Judge Brack is a heartless bully, ultimately using his "power" over Hedda to bring about her downfall. He is totally shocked that his actions leave him powerless. The cinema presentation was again superb, great sound, cameras at different angles to the stage and close ups of the actors give the cinema audience something that a live audience miss. To a degree, it makes up for not seeing the play live.
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