Hedda Gabler

Juliet Stevenson inhabits the title Femme Fatale with such conviction that even a lesser supporting cast would have to rise to the occasion. But the cast here is first-rate as is the insightful and resonant direction by John Tydeman, retired head of BBC Radio Drama. Not only has he made this intense stage play perfectly intelligible for audio, but he delivers the most engrossing HEDDA this reviewer has encountered in any medium. The intelligent, spirited, and self-absorbed Hedda has a dull but devoted husband, an ardent ex-lover, and a lecherous old judge hanging around her. Her manipulations, instigated largely to spark her uninspiring existence, result in a tragically untragic shooting and her own virtual enslavement. Ibsen's masterful, flawlessly constructed character study, though written to reflect rural Norway of the 1880s, seems vividly contemporary. Here are characters we either know or hope never to meet--far more fascinating and real than any of the Carringtons or Ewings. Y.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2003 Audie Award Finalist (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

June 1, 2003
A radio version of the classic Ibsen play, this production benefits from a great British cast led by Juliet Stevenson as Hedda Gabler. The play, as with all Ibsen dramas, is a moving blend of realism and symbolism. The tragic story is universal and timeless, conveying emotions so honest that every listener will relate in some way to the longing and desperation so eloquently expressed by the title character. Stevenson lends the perfect nuance to the role of Hedda. Highly recommended for theater collections in public and academic libraries.-Mark Pumphrey, Polk Cty. P.L., Columbus, NC

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2003
Gr 9 Up-Ibsen's classic is well served by the talents of Juliet Stevenson and seven other British actors, all veterans of the Royal Shakespeare Company, stage, and film. With excellent diction and generally convincing emotion, the polished cast conveys the dark despair that touches everyone in the play, and eventually overwhelms Hedda. Brief, but pleasant music gently marks the end of each act, and sound quality is good throughout. Exceptionally complete liner notes make it easy to find a specific track, and there's plenty of playbill-style information about the performers and the play. While this recordings is not a must buy, it will be a helpful audio component to classes studying the work of Norway's great 19th century playwright.-Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.