Lee Young-ae's Theatrical Comeback in 'Hedda Gabler'

Actress Lee Young-ae is set to make her return to the theater stage after 32 years with the play 'Hedda Gabler'. This production is part of the LG Arts Center's celebration of its 25th anniversary, following the success of 'The Cherry Orchard' in 2024, which attracted 40,000 viewers. 'Hedda Gabler' will run from May 7 to June 8 at the LG SIGNATURE Hall in Seoul, featuring Lee Young-ae and the entire cast in every performance.

Based on Henrik Ibsen's original work, 'Hedda Gabler' explores the psyche of a woman yearning for freedom amidst societal constraints and oppression, often referred to as the 'female Hamlet'. Lee Young-ae's character, Hedda, is portrayed as elegant on the outside but is internally conflicted with hidden anxieties, desires, and a destructive nature. Known for her diverse roles in productions like 'Dae Jang Geum', 'Lady Vengeance', and the upcoming drama 'Eunsu's Good Day', Lee is expected to deliver a powerful transformation on stage.

The cast includes Kim Jung-ho as Hedda's husband Tesman, Ji Hyun-jun as the judge Brack who psychologically pressures Hedda, Lee Seung-joo as her former lover Lovborg who awakens her dormant desires, Baek Ji-won as her jealous friend Thea, Lee Jung-mi as her traditional aunt, and Jo Ji-eun as her maid Berta.

Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler' has sparked various interpretations and debates on stages worldwide due to its complex portrayal of human psychology and unpredictable plot developments. This production is adapted from Richard Eyre's acclaimed version, which won the 2006 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Revival, and is directed by Jeon In-cheol, known for his meticulous text analysis and contemporary issue-driven works. He aims to reflect the multifaceted inner world of Hedda and the complexities of modern society through the surrounding characters.

Tickets for 'Hedda Gabler' will go on sale starting March 7 at 2 PM through the LG Arts Center's website and major ticketing platforms.