Rose Theatre has released rehearsal photos of Shooting Hedda Gabler, a Rose Original Production in association with The Norwegian Ibsen Company. 

Presenting a brand-new adaptation of one of Ibsen's most performed dramas, Hedda Gabler, the play is showcasing at the Rose Theatre from 29 September -21 October 2023.   

Shooting Hedda Gabler unfolds on a movie set in Norway where filming is underway for a film adaptation of Hedda Gabler. Inspired by conversations born out of the #MeToo movement, Nina Segal has created an affectionate, sharp and chilling reframing of Henrik Ibsen's 130-year-old story, directed by Jeff James (Persuasion). 

"Shooting Hedda Gabler is like a thriller, it's like a horror movie," Mr James said. "And it's also really funny, actually."

Antonia Thomas in rehearsal for Shooting Hedda Gabler. (Photo: DMLK)

The play is about an American actress escaping Hollywood and her past as a child star and tabloid-punchline to gain some artistic credibility. She is offered the lead part in a Norwegian film adaptation of Hedda Gabler. Arriving in Norway, the atmosphere on set becomes increasingly tense as reality and fiction is blurred. With every moment being filmed, she becomes unmoored and paranoid. 

"The world we're setting Hedda Gabler in it's just really fun and really brash," Ms Segal said. "It's got pyrotechnics, it's got weaponry, it's got Norwegian landscapes. And I'm really excited to see how they bring that to the Rose stage." 

Avi Nash _ Anna Andresen in rehearsal for Shooting Hedda Gabler. (Photo: DMLK)

"It's really meta," said Antonia Thomas (Misfits, The Good Doctor, Lovesick), leading as Hedda. "How are you your authentic self when people don't really want that?"

Avi Nash, (The Walking Dead, Silo) as Ejlert, said: "This is not a modern-day retelling of the Ibsen play, this is taking the bones and the heart and the spirit of the play and putting it in a new body and saying, "You know what? What might happen now." 

Christian Rubeck in rehearsal for Shooting Hedda Gabler. (Photo: DMLK)

Christian Rubeck (Succession, Then You Run) as Henrik said: "The reason why Hedda Gabler is still relevant is because of the character Hedda, and her battle between the right thing to do and the good thing to do, and her sense of meaninglessness. And how that can lead to destruction." 

Nash added: "If something survives 130 years I think it is because of the way it speaks to the human condition that we still find titillating."