Review: HEDDA GABLER at Big Idea Theatre

Big Idea Theatre continues its exciting 2026 season with a classic -- Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 work, Hedda Gabler. The show remains an unsettling study of human psychology, and director Sasha Kostyrko offers a look into what happens when naivete meets cunning, and societal expectations don’t go as anticipated.

Hedda Gabler is a beautiful and sought-after woman, admired by many of the gentlemen in her circle. The story begins when she returns from her honeymoon. Her new husband, George Tesman, is scholarly, distracted, and well-meaning. While he’s also a product of a patriarchal society, he seems to want to give Hedda the life and luxury she craves.  She’s often portrayed as a victim but, in this production, she seems more deeply, mentally unwell. Her actions don’t simply point to boredom and a desire for control; they suggest a narcissistic and manipulative personality. Whether it evolves from society, biology, or a combination of the two is up for interpretation, but it paints an endlessly fascinating picture, and Kristarae Flores is commanding in her complete immersion into Hedda. You can see the wheels turning, and it’s a delicious anticipation to try to determine which way they’ll roll. Her unraveling is brilliantly tortured, and provides a stark contrast to her husband’s jolly ignorance. Jason Kaye’s George Tesman is earnest, kind, and devoted. He’s oblivious to his wife’s internal turmoil, yes, but his singular focus and enthusiasm for his craft make him endearing, a little like an energetic puppy. He wants to do the right thing, but is thwarted by his naivete and Hedda’s craftiness.

George and Hedda’s divergent personalities paint a vivid backdrop for the other imperfect characters: a hovering aunt Julia (Wendy Aspegren); a former classmate and perceived rival, Thea Elvsted (Zaara Little); the oily, opportunistic Judge Brack (Tyler Selee); a former romantic interest, Eilert Lovborg (Greyson Horst); and the timid housekeeper, Berta (Michelle Champoux). The cast is cohesive and, together, could become a formidable army against Hedda’s wiles. However, that would be too easy, and we wouldn’t be having a conversation about whether or not Hedda’s actions are justified, over a century after her inception.

If you like dark and tragic, which I do, Hedda Gabler will check the boxes. It’s a critique of society and male dominance, with a haunting exploration of the human psyche. In short, it’s compelling, timeless, and unforgettable.

Hedda Gabler plays at Big Idea Theatre through May 16. Tickets may be found online at bigideatheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (916) 960-3036.

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