Hedda Gabler

By: Henrik Ibsen

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson, Michael Maloney, full cast

Hedda Gabler, the daughter of a deceased general, marries dull George Tesman and foresees a life of middle-class tedium stretching ahead when they return from their honeymoon. Increasingly she is drawn into the clutches of her admirer, Judge Brack, who seeks to establish a ménage à trois. Then the brilliant but dissolute Eilert Lovborg, a former flame, arrives to rival her husband for an academic post.

This new audio production, with Juliet Stevenson giving an unforgettable performance as the passionate Hedda, brings this classic drama to life.

Translated by William Archer and Edmund Gosse.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2002 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

Thrilling.

The performances are exquisite, especially Hedda.
Some tiny bumps or glitches in audio, but in no way did it affect my enjoyment.
Can't believe how contemporary this play feels--and funny--although it is at times quite dramatic, naturally.

Adult content

The book Hedda Gabler is listed under Audible Kids. Not really a good book for kids or young teens. You may want to review the book before letting a child or teen go through it. The book has adult content mostly through implied meaning of words and double meaning of words. The book also has a suicide in it. Other then that if you like drama in a story you will more then likely this story. A good little sop opera.

Excellent Performances

Perfect in every way. Actors/narrators were all wonderful, especially Juliet Stevenson. I could listen to her perform every day.

Play

I loved this play, definitely one of my favorites. The ending is expected but nonetheless sad.

Hedda

Would you listen to Hedda Gabler again? Why?

I bought it for school. But I listened to it a second and third time because it was so entertaining.

What did you like best about this story?

The sound of the orator's voice, so melodious and animated. I could imagine the scenes by the tone of her .

Which scene was your favorite?

When Hedda is supposedly playing the piano, but is truly about to commit suicide.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I did on the second reading of it.

Any additional comments?

Splendid

Shocked by Hedda

Wow. What melodrama. That is just the reason I love it. Today's slippery morals without electricity, automobiles and the Internet. If you love Zola, Wharton or Hardy...please give this a try. The play is acted by many. It's over the top...but I was still engaged and shocked by Hedda.

Recommended by Linda Goodman's Love Signs

To help me to understand my Scorpio girlfriend and exactly what I might be signing up for in being with her. It might be just the thing I needed to let me know just how patient I'll need to be with her.

Excellent

Normally I would avoid dramatized audio versions of plays, as they are often unbearably overdone and poorly performed. This is certainly an exception. The acting in this version of Hedda Gabler is superb across the board, which must also be a credit to the direction, as well as to the greatness of the play itself. I was totally drawn into the story’s suspense, as well as the deep well of psychological nuance that Ibsen so expertly explores. Bravo.

A Rewarding Presentation

Juliet Stevenson is wondrous in the title role of this Ibsen classic, as is Michael Maloney as her husband. It's truly an outstanding night at the theatre without leaving your living room. The audio quality of this recording is also extremely high ... no hiss or tin to contend with!

Wonderful.

A great introduction to Ibsen, acted with deft confidence by a wonderful cast. Don't be afraid that this might be just a musty old classic. It is a pleasure from start to finish and perfectly accessible and enjoyable to a modern listener.