Hedda Gabler at ACT Opens Feb.14

American Conservatory Theater proudly presents Paul Walsh's new translation of Henrik Ibsen's masterful thriller Hedda Gabler, the gripping story of one of the most elusive and controversial heroines in the modern canon, now playing through March 11. Opening night is Wednesday, February 14 at 8PM.

"When ACT staged its hit production of Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House in 2004, audiences were compelled by the relevance and complexity of the century-old story of one woman's determined and defiant struggle for independence. Buoyed by ACT core acting company member René Augesen's powerhouse performance as Nora, A Doll's House remains one of the most critically acclaimed productions in recent ACT history. Augesen returns to Ibsen territory as the title character in Hedda Gabler, an acknowledged masterpiece," states press notes.

"In the wake of a tedious honeymoon, Hedda Tesman (maiden name Gabler) returns home to face her new married life-her lavish house, her tenuous wealth, the endless chatter of her new relatives – and, most terrifyingly, her own self," explains press notes, "By turns cruel, seductive, and careless, Hedda strikes back at those forces and individuals in her newly minted lifestyle that seek to rob her of her power and freedom-no matter the consequences. Is Hedda a master manipulator who destroys others out of sheer boredom, or are her actions merely the collateral damage wrought by unfortunate circumstances?"

Appearing alongside Augesen is Anthony Fusco as George Tesman, Hedda's naïve, scholarly husband.  Sharon Lockwood portrays Miss Juliane Tesman, George's well-meaning aunt.  Jack Willis portrays Commissioner Brack, the unctuous controller of the Tesman finances who aims to seduce Hedda.  Stephen Barker Turner portrays Tesman's professional rival and Hedda's former love, Eilert Lovborg.  And Finnerty Steeves portrays Hedda's earnest old classmate and Tesman's old flame, Mrs. Elvsted, with Barbara Oliver as Berte the maid.

The design team for ACT's production of Hedda Gabler includes Kent Dorsey (sets), Sandra Woodall (costumes), Alexander V. Nichols (lights), John Gromada (sound design and original music compositions). Dylan Russell is the assistant director for the production.

Tickets (13.50-$56.50) for Hedda Gabler can be purchased at ACT Ticket Services, located at 405 Geary Street, by phone at 415-749-2228; or online at www.act-sf.org. Groups of 15 or more people are eligible for discounts; please call 415-439-2473.  There will be a Bring What You Can/Pay What You Wish performance on Thursday, February 15 at 8PM. Patrons will be allowed to pay any amount for tickets when they bring a donation of children's books, diapers, or coffee beans to benefit Raphael House, a shelter and support program for homeless families in San Francisco's Tenderloin District. Patrons are limited to one ticket per donated item, two tickets per person. Tickets go on sale at 6PM the day of the performance.

Previews are now through February 13.  Opening February 14 with performances through March 11.  Performance times are Tuesdays – Saturdays at 8PM (except February 20 at 7PM); Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 2PM (except no matinees February 14 & 28).  Additional performance Sunday, February 18 at 7PM.

The American Conservatory Theatre is located at 415 Geary St. San Francisco, CA 94102.

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