Lee Young-ae Shines in 'Hedda Gabler' Opening at LG Arts Center
The highly anticipated play 'Hedda Gabler,' featuring renowned actress Lee Young-ae, officially opened on May 7 at the LG Arts Center, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Alongside Lee, the cast includes Kim Jung-ho, Ji Hyun-jun, Lee Seung-joo, Baek Ji-won, Lee Jung-mi, and Jo Ji-eun, who delivered a captivating 2.5-hour performance without intermission, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience on opening night.
Making her return to the stage after 32 years, Lee Young-ae embodied the character of Hedda with remarkable depth. She skillfully portrayed the protagonist's complex emotions of loneliness, desire, cynicism, and anger, captivating the audience from her first appearance to the final curtain call.
Baek Ji-won, playing Hedda's friend Thea, convincingly depicted a character with quiet yet strong resolve, highlighting Hedda's intricate feelings. The three male characters surrounding Hedda—her husband Tesman (Kim Jung-ho), Judge Brack (Ji Hyun-jun), and her former lover Eilert (Lee Seung-joo)—each brought unique charm and presence, solidifying the play's core. Additionally, Lee Jung-mi as Aunt Tesman and Jo Ji-eun as the maid Berta contributed to the seamless rhythm and atmosphere of the performance. The cast will continue to perform as a single ensemble until June 8.
'Hedda Gabler' is a modern reinterpretation of Henrik Ibsen's classic, utilizing a minimalist stage and large screens to create a contemporary experience. The adaptation is based on a version by Richard Eyre, a recipient of the Olivier Award for Best Director and Best Revival in 2006. The direction by Jeon In-cheol, known for his meticulous text analysis, brings a detailed exploration of timeless human nature and psychology.
The narrative follows the beautiful and assertive Hedda, who impulsively marries the academically focused George Tesman, only to find herself bored and frustrated with her mundane life. The arrival of her unfortunate former lover, the genius writer Eilert, who has found success, along with the revelation of Thea's existence, plunges Hedda into deep confusion. As Judge Brack seeks to manipulate Hedda's psyche, her life spirals into unexpected turmoil.
Over the course of approximately 2.5 hours, 'Hedda Gabler' invites audiences to explore a range of human emotions through its intricate character dynamics. Although written 135 years ago, the characters in this adaptation resonate vividly with contemporary audiences, prompting profound empathy and reflection.
The stage, designed by Park Sang-bong, features a grand yet minimalist geometric space in neutral tones, symbolizing Hedda's confinement and inner turmoil. The front stage occasionally transforms into a large screen, dramatically revealing Hedda's psychological state and enhancing immersion. The creative team, including lighting designer Choi Bo-yoon, costume designer Kim Hwan, and sound designer Kaip, has elevated the production's quality through precise sound, lighting, and symbolic costume design.
