Tanika Gupta's bold adaptation of Hedda Gabler brings Ibsen's classic to a world that is both familiar and foreign. Set in 1948 London, where India has just gained independence and the film industry is navigating its own brand of racism, this reimagining illuminates the darker corners of post-war England.
In this version, Hedda (played by Pearl Chanda) is a movie star who has mastered the art of hiding her Anglo-Indian heritage. Behind the façade of a perfectly coiffed hairdo and a chic tea dress, she conceals a dual identity that threatens to upend her carefully constructed life. As the play unfolds, it becomes clear that Hedda's discovery of her true self will have far-reaching consequences, not just for herself, but also for those around her.
Gupta's adaptation is notable for its willingness to tackle issues of institutionalized racism in the film industry, where segregation and prejudice were all too prevalent. The play shines a light on how these attitudes affected relationships, both romantic and professional, particularly when it came to women of color like Shona (Rina Fatania), Hedda's maid.
The casting is also noteworthy, with Jake Mann delivering a nuanced performance as Lenny, the former flame who tries to pierce through Hedda's defenses. However, despite its strong performances, the play struggles to build tension in some areas. The large cast of characters often feels more like a gathering of acquaintances than genuine individuals, their motivations and emotions feeling somewhat forced.
One cannot help but be drawn into the world that Gupta has created, where the intricate web of relationships between Hedda and those around her is slowly unravelled. But it's the way this adaptation chooses to highlight the complexities of Hedda's character that truly sets it apart – a portrayal that feels both deeply human and disturbingly relevant.
Hedda will be on stage at the Orange Tree theatre until 22 November, offering audiences a thought-provoking reimagining of Ibsen's classic. Will it be enough to leave you breathless? That depends on how well you navigate the intricate world that Gupta has so skillfully constructed.
In this version, Hedda (played by Pearl Chanda) is a movie star who has mastered the art of hiding her Anglo-Indian heritage. Behind the façade of a perfectly coiffed hairdo and a chic tea dress, she conceals a dual identity that threatens to upend her carefully constructed life. As the play unfolds, it becomes clear that Hedda's discovery of her true self will have far-reaching consequences, not just for herself, but also for those around her.
Gupta's adaptation is notable for its willingness to tackle issues of institutionalized racism in the film industry, where segregation and prejudice were all too prevalent. The play shines a light on how these attitudes affected relationships, both romantic and professional, particularly when it came to women of color like Shona (Rina Fatania), Hedda's maid.
The casting is also noteworthy, with Jake Mann delivering a nuanced performance as Lenny, the former flame who tries to pierce through Hedda's defenses. However, despite its strong performances, the play struggles to build tension in some areas. The large cast of characters often feels more like a gathering of acquaintances than genuine individuals, their motivations and emotions feeling somewhat forced.
One cannot help but be drawn into the world that Gupta has created, where the intricate web of relationships between Hedda and those around her is slowly unravelled. But it's the way this adaptation chooses to highlight the complexities of Hedda's character that truly sets it apart – a portrayal that feels both deeply human and disturbingly relevant.
Hedda will be on stage at the Orange Tree theatre until 22 November, offering audiences a thought-provoking reimagining of Ibsen's classic. Will it be enough to leave you breathless? That depends on how well you navigate the intricate world that Gupta has so skillfully constructed.
I gotta say, this adaptation of Hedda Gabler is like a punch in the gut - it hits all the right notes and then some! 
Tanika Gupta's bold move to set the play in post-war London, where India has just gained independence, is pure genius. It adds this layer of complexity to the story that makes you realize how ingrained racism was back then.
The way she brings out this dual identity in Hedda, where she's hiding her Anglo-Indian heritage behind a mask of perfection, is just so captivating. It's like watching a masterclass in acting right before your eyes.
I mean, we all know how prevalent segregation and prejudice were back then, but to see it laid out on stage like this... it's just eye-opening. And Shona (Rina Fatania) as Hedda's maid? That's some powerful storytelling right there.
Has anyone seen it? What did you think?
. I loved how Pearl Chanda brought life to Hedda, her character's dual identity was so complex and multi-layered 
. But yeah, some parts felt a bit forced, like the large cast of characters 
. Still, the way the relationships between Hedda and those around her unfolded was super intriguing 
. I'm def gonna check out this play at the Orange Tree theatre! 
Tanika Gupta did an amazing job tackling those dark issues in the film industry, like racism and segregation 
it's crazy to think how these attitudes still affected people back then. The cast was also super talented especially Pearl Chanda as Hedda, her performance was giving me LIFE 
still though, the way Gupta wove together the story and characters was so engaging and thought-provoking 
can't wait to see how audiences respond to this production on stage! 
. It's like, we've seen these characters before, but never really looked at them from this perspective 
. And Jake Mann's performance as Lenny is pretty great too! 
- it's not just about hedda's personal struggle, but also about how she fits into this system that's designed to hold her back. and i love how the casting is diverse too 
, but yeah, maybe they could've done more with building tension in some areas... still, it's a must-see if you want to see a world where people of color are not just background characters 
. The cast is talented, no doubt, but even Jake Mann can't save this play from its own convoluted mess of emotions and relationships... I mean, who needs all those characters, right? It feels like a chore to sit through all the backroom drama and societal pressure that Hedda's dealing with 
, it's like a punch to the gut 
but in a good way 
. And Pearl Chanda as Hedda is pure perfection 
, her dual identity is both captivating and terrifying 
. But what I loved most about this adaptation is how it shines a light on institutionalized racism in the film industry 
, it's like a beacon of hope 
. The casting is also 
but overall this adaptation is 
. The only thing I wished was that some scenes didn't feel a bit forced - the tension could have been built up better 
. The result is a bunch of characters who feel like cardboard cutouts rather than actual people 
. And Jake Mann's Lenny is pretty great too. But for me, the supporting cast feels a bit like they're all just there to illustrate some point about institutionalized racism or whatever 
.
. Still, I do appreciate the efforts to bring this story into a new light, so here's hoping it'll be worth checking out 
. The way she tackles racism in the film industry, especially towards women of color, is just so needed and timely 
. The way Hedda's dual identity is explored is just, wow – it's like, she's living two lives, one as this perfect movie star and another as this Indian woman who's hiding her true self 
. The cast of characters can feel a bit forced, like they're just there for the sake of being there 
. She's like a normal person, but with this huge secret that's going to change everything. The actress playing her, Pearl Chanda, did an amazing job of conveying all the emotions. I'm not sure if the tension in some parts was really needed, though - it felt a bit forced at times 
, and the cast is on point with Pearl Chanda as Hedda being super convincing in her dual identity