Warning: Hedda Is On Her Way

Nick Barnum as Eilert Lovborg (left), Julia Ubrankovics as Hedda Gabler (center) and Catherine Leskovec as Thea Elvsted make for an interesting triangle in HPU's spring drama by Henrik Ibsen, 'Hedda Gabler,' onstage April 5-May 5 at Paul and Vi Loo Theatre on the Windward campus. Photo by Malia Leinau.

HPU’s Paul and Vi Loo Theatre will have a month-long visit from “one of the most confounding and complex characters of modern drama” when it opens Hedda Gabler on April 5 on the Windward side.

Sometimes called the female Hamlet, Gabler was created by master playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1891, but she still haunts and bewitches audiences in this new adaptation by Jon Robin Baitz, directed by Joyce Maltby.

The play stars Julie Ubrankovics in the title role – one of dozens the award-winning Hungarian actress has played in her distinguished career in film, theater and television from Budapest to Los Angeles. Among her many awards: Best Actress at Hungarian Film Week.

Supporting this classic piece of theatre in HPU’s intimate setting are actors Tony Nickelsen, Victoria Gail-White, Nick Barnum, Catherine Leskovec and Melinda Maltby. The plot follows Gabler’s manipulations after returning from her honeymoon, bored with her marriage and domestic life.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 4 p.m Sundays. The April 13 and 27 performances will be followed by talks with the cast and director.

Tickets cost $20, $15 and $5 and can be purchased at 375-1282 or online at hpu.edu/theatre. (Discounted prices are available for Thursday shows.)