Hedda Gabler is both a play and a fictional character created by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. First published in 1890 and premiered the following year in Germany to negative reviews, the play Hedda Gabler has subsequently gained recognition as a classic of realism, nineteenth century theater, and world drama. A 1902 production was a major sensation on Broadway starring Minnie Maddern Fiske and following its initial limited run was revived with the actress the following year.

The character of Hedda is one of the great dramatic roles in theatre, the "female Hamlet,"http://arts.guardian.co.uk/critic/review/0,1169,1439784,00.html and some portrayals have been very controversial. Depending on the interpretation, Hedda may be portrayed as an idealistic heroine fighting society, a victim of circumstance, a prototypical feminist, or a manipulative villain.

Hedda's actual name in the play is Hedda Tesman; Gabler is her maiden name. About the title, Ibsen wrote: "My intention in giving it this name was to indicate that Hedda as a personality is to be regarded rather as her father's daughter than her husband's wife."

Beautiful and willful Hedda Gabler, a very ambitious and controlling woman, enters into a loveless marriage with the respectable but dull George Tesman to insure herself economic and social security. Upon return from her honeymoon, where George also worked on the manuscript for his new book, she hints to George's aunt, whom she resents because she also has influence over him, that she may or may not be pregnant. When her former lover, the idealistic but alcoholic Eilert Lovborg reappears on the scene, he presents a rivalry to her husband's literary standing in the community. She further resents the inspirational influence that Thea Elvsted, Hedda's former schoolmate, has on Eilert. Driven by jealousy and a need to control the lives of those around her, Hedda seizes the opportunity to act when Lovborg misplaces his latest manuscript. Written by Gabe Taverney (duke1029@aol.com)

Adaptation of the Henrik Ibsen play transposes the action into a contemporary setting in which the newly-married, quick-witted and energetic Hedda and her bland but stable husband George have recently arrived in their brand new home. Boxes are piled everywhere, but the sun is too harsh for them to fully unpack, so the couple is content for the time being to leave the house in this partially occupied state. When a friend informs them that George's professorship at the university might be threatened by the rebound of his academic and onetime romantic rival Eilert, everyone's insecurities bubble up to the surface. Skeptical of Eilert's transformation, Hedda suddenly becomes desperate to re-ignite his once notorious courage to live. Pulled down a path of deception, Hedda faces her desire for a life lived beautifully and without compromise- whatever the cost. Written by Heather Renee Ayres