: Henrik Ibsen
: Hedda Gabler Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)
: Nick Hern Books
: 9781780014210
: NHB Drama Classics
: 1
: CHF 7,50
:
: Dramatik
: English
: 130
: Wasserzeichen
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB
Drama Classics: The World's Great Plays at a Great Little Price Restless and discontented in her marriage, Hedda Gabler is drawn to a former admirer, Lovborg, now a brilliant writer. But he is more taken with Hedda's old schoolfriend. Driven by jealousy, Hedda destroys Lovborg and his precious manuscript and, finally, herself. This English version of Henrik Ibsen's play Hedda Gabler, published in the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series, is translated and introduced by Kenneth McLeish.

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright and theatre director. His plays include: Brand, Peer Gynt, A Doll's House, Ghosts, An Enemy of the People, Hedda Gabler, Rosmersholm, The Master Builder, Little Eyolf, John Gabriel Borkman and When We Dead Awaken.

ACT ONE

A smart, spacious living room, stylishly decorated in dark colours. Upstage, a wide double-doorway, with its curtains drawn back, leads into a smaller room, decorated in the same style. Right, exit to the hall. Opposite left, through a glass screen door with its curtains also drawn back, can be seen part of a raised verandah and a garden. It is autumn. Centre stage, dining chairs and an oval table covered with a cloth. Downstage right, against the wall, a dark tiled stove, a wing chair, an upholstered footstool and two stools. Upstage right, a corner seat and a small table. Downstage left, a little out from the wall, a sofa. Upstage of the screen door, a piano. On either side of the main double-doorway, whatnots displaying artefacts of terracotta and majolica. In the inner room can be seen a sofa, a table and two chairs. Over the sofa hangs the portrait of a handsome elderly man in general’s uniform. Over the table, a hanging lamp with a pearled glass shade. All round the main room are vases and glass containers full of cut flowers; other bouquets lie on the tables. Thick carpets in both rooms. Sunlight streams in through the screen door.

Enter MISS JULIA TESMANand BERTAfrom the hall. BERTAis carrying a bouquet. MISS TESMANis a placid-looking woman of about 65. Her grey outdoor clothes are plain but well-made. BERTAis a simple countrywoman, getting on in years. MISS TESMANstops in the doorway and listens.

MISS TESMAN (in a low voice). Theyaren’t up yet!

BERTA (in a low voice). I told you, Miss Tesman. The boat came in very late last night. And even then, mercy!, the things the young lady had to unpack before she’d go to bed.

MISS TESMAN. We won’t disturb them. But wewill let some air in for when they do get up.

She opens the screen door, wide. BERTA,at the table, is not sure what to do with her flowers.

BERTA. There’s no room anywhere. I’ll put them over here.

She props them on the piano.

MISS TESMAN. Just fancy, Berta – you, and a new mistress. I don’t know how I brought myself to part with you.

BERTA (close to tears). It was hard for me too, Miss Tesman. After all these years, with you and Miss Rina.

MISS TESMAN. Now, Berta, what else could we do? Jørgen needs you here. Needs you. Ever since he was a little boy, he’s relied on you.

BERTA. Oh Miss Tesman, I keep thinking of that poor lady lying at home. Can’t do a thing for herself, poor soul. And a new maid now. That one won’t learn how to look after an invalid.

MISS TESMAN. I’ll show her. And I’ll do much more myself. Dear Berta, for my poor sister’s sake, don’t worry so.