Audition Date: TBC

Director Melinda Hunt

THE PLOT

The newly-married Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon and the relationship is already in trouble. A self-absorbed and very bored Hedda feels trapped but is determined to control those around her. Hedda‘s scheming and manipulative behaviour causes catastrophic consequences for herself and others. Ultimately, as her own world unravels, Hedda realises that there is only one way to be free. A modern production of Ibsen’s classic.

I am hoping that this is an opportunity for actors to work with me to really get inside the complex characters, therefore, I WILL be asking everyone to BE BOOK DOWN BEFORE REHEARSALS BEGIN. This should REDUCE REHEARSALS DURING CHRISTMAS /NEW YEAR WEEK so we can all enjoy the festive season.

THE CHARACTERS

All characters can be any ethnicity

Hedda Gabler principal part (mid to late 30s)

Requires an actress who is able to move seamlessly between intelligent, unpredictable, manipulative and sometimes dishonest. A simmering performance.

George Tesman main part (30-40)

Hedda’s husband; fresh faced, nicely spoken but not RP. Good looking but boring

Juliana Tessman small part (50-60)

Tesman’s Aunt: warm and affectionate, wears clothes with panache.

Judge Brack main part (40-50)

Friend who is obsessed with Hedda; charismatic, confident, manipulative, worldly and cynical. Opportunity for an actor to play a nasty piece of work!

Ejlert Lövborg main part (Early 40s)

Brilliant academic, Tesman’s rival: recovering alcoholic and drug addict; strong, emotional character.

Mrs Elvsted (Thea) main part (30-40)

In love with Lovborg; Nervous, shy and softly spoken. Preferably actress with long hair, preferably blonde, if not, the right actress would have to wear a wig. Wears high heels throughout.

Berte small part (50- 60)

Housekeeper. Beautiful in an understated way. This is a small part but will be on stage throughout, watching!

AUDITION PIECES

Page 3 to page 4 ‘Berte:She said she’s got big plans. Berte Juliana

Act One Page 10 ‘She hands Tesman a flat package.’ to page 13 Juliana exits.Hedda Juliana Tesman

Page 19 ‘Now we can talk in private.’ to page 22 ‘I don’t like anything about him.’Hedda Mrs Elvsted

Page 26 ‘Tesman and Brack watch them go.’ to page 30 Brack exits. Brack Hedda Tesman

Page 48 ‘Brack and Tesman exit.’ to page 53 ‘Hedda: Good but don’t rely on me.’ Hedda Lovborg Tesman

Page 91 ‘Hedda: You were saying? To page 93 ‘Hedda: Must we?’ Hedda Brack

PRODUCTION TEAM

SET BUILDER: someone who can bring my vision to life. Box set with large gustavian windows to one side. Apartment in throws of renovation.

PROPS: not a heavy production but will need modern furniture. Already have clear idea of the look.

LIGHTING: no special effects but will want to portray emotions through lighting and also want to collaborate on producing a special ending. Cannot give more away at this time!

COSTUME: new, beautiful costume for everyone. Minimal changes. Already have fashion buyer on board to join the team.

HAIR AND MAKEUP: may be need for wig for Hedda, but both female actors will need styling.

ASM and STAGE MANAGER please.

If you’d like more information or just want to discuss any aspect of the play or the role which interests you, please get in touch. I would be delighted to hear from you.

 CONTACT:

Prefer email. Melindahunt51@gmail.com              Phone 01322 668584