The Wild Duck Unleashes Family Chaos in Powerful New Production

Brooklyn, NY – The Theatre for a New Audience and Shakespeare Theatre Company have staged a gripping production of Henrik Ibsen‘s “The Wild Duck,” adapted by David Eldridge. This play delves into the lives of characters intertwined by secrets and lies, leading to tragic outcomes for a family.

The story unfolds as Gregers Werle, portrayed by Alexander Hurt, returns home to visit his father, Håkon Werle, after an extended absence. He enthusiastically reconnects with his childhood friend Hjalmar Ekdal, played by Nick Westrate, whose family struggles after Hjalmar’s father, Old Ekdal, portrayed by David Patrick Kelly, falls from grace.

The Ekdal family’s survival, thanks to Gregers’s father’s intervention, does not reveal the underlying tensions. Hjalmar’s wife, Gina, embodied by Melanie Field, manages the family photo studio, balancing multiple roles while seeking her own fulfillment. When Gregers decides to expose Gina’s past, it catalyzes a series of events that unravel the fragile fabric of their lives.

Gregers’s well-intentioned mission to reveal the “truth” stems from his own discontent with his father and life of privilege. His interventions initially seem noble but devolve into chaos as he fails to comprehend the unique struggles of Hjalmar, who is depicted as a timid, dependent figure.

Matthew Saldívar’s portrayal of Doctor Relling presents a counterpoint to Gregers. Known for his sardonic wit, Relling’s diagnosis of “Chronic Righteousness” encapsulates the futility of Gregers’s idealism. The production evokes sympathy for the characters as their lives fracture under the weight of misguided revelations.

Simon Godwin’s direction propels the narrative forward, employing lighting design by Stacey Derosier that enhances the emotional tone from cool moonlight to the grim winter shadows reflecting the characters’ descent. The set features impressive skylights, contributing to the play’s visual appeal.

As the drama unfolds, Hjalmar’s relationship with Gina transforms under the strain of Gregers’s influence, leading to moments of tension and revelation. The supporting cast, including Maaike Laanstra-Corn and Robert Stanton, adds depth and complexity to the dynamic.

This adaptation successfully balances humor and sorrow while providing a fresh perspective on Ibsen’s work. Ultimately, “The Wild Duck” captures the essence of a family torn apart by the pursuit of truth in a world filled with deceptive comforts.