Direction : Bhagyashree Tarke Cast : Janhvi Marathe, Salone Mehta, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Siddhesh Dilip Dhuri, Aditi Gautam, Jonas David/Atul Kumar, Rohan Verma
HEDDA GABLER BY BHAGYASHREE TARKE Review
HEDDA GABLER is a powerful exploration of repression, ego, and the pressures of social expectations. Presented by The Theatre Company and designed and directed by Bhagyashree Tarke. This staging approaches the classic text through a visually aesthetic lens. The production foregrounds design while exploring the emotional layers written by Henrik Ibsen.
The play follows Hedda, a general's daughter who finds herself confined within a marriage and domestic life that feel emotionally limiting. Beneath the surface of polite conversation lies a restless mind seeking escape. Through changing relationships and fragile egos, the play explores insecurity, pride and the pressures of society. Its emotional conflicts still feel relevant today.
Visually, the colour palette of the costumes and minimalistic set reflects design sensibility, and the overall ambience is aesthetically engaging. The background score carried almost a gothic undertone. The lighting supported the mood effectively without drawing attention to itself. Particularly the climax is staged with striking theatrical control. It lands perfectly and leaves impact, demonstrating a clear understanding of dramatic payoff.
However, the performances largely focused towards external expression rather than an internally simmering psychological experience. An exception to this were Aditi Gautam as Thea Elvsted and Rohan Verma as Eilert Lovborg, who brought emotional honesty and served justice to their roles.The cast also included Janhvi Marathe as Berte, Salone Mehta as Aunt Juliana, and Jonas David as Judge Brack. While the ensemble maintained the rhythm of the narrative, the central dynamic between Bhagyashree Tarke's Hedda and Siddhesh Dhuri's George Tesman could have been explored with greater depth.
This century-old play thrives on silence, tension, and what remains unspoken. The spread of dry leaves across the stage felt like an added layer that may not have been necessary. A barren, more empty void could perhaps have intensified Hedda's emotional solitude more effectively.
Given that several English language interpretations of the play already exist in world theatre. The production perhaps missed an opportunity to shape the adaptation within an Indian cultural context or diaspora. As presented, it felt similar to an English production staged outside India, performed by an Indian cast.
Overall, this production is worth watching for the lasting strength of Ibsen's writing. The text remains sharp, layered, and engaging. Even if one hasn't read the play, seeing it performed shows why it has endured for generations.
Shashank Jadhav is a theatre practitioner, actor, writer, and director. He is the founder of Occipital Productions, under which he develops work across theatre and films.
HEDDA GABLER BY BHAGYASHREE TARKE Play Schedule(s)
