The Drama Theater Skopje is showcasing its production of “Hedda Gabler” at the RUTA festival in Tivat, Montenegro, from April 7-12. The Montenegrin edition of the regional theater festival RUTA is organized by the Tivat Cultural Center.

“Hedda Gabler” premiered on April 20, 2024, and the Tivat performance marks its 12th showing and second appearance outside its home stage. The play previously appeared at RUTA in Sarajevo in May 2024 and at the “Vojdan Chernodrinski” festival in Prilep in June 2024.

Directed by Vasil Hristov, “Hedda Gabler” is based on Henrik Ibsen’s work, adapted by Viktorija Rangelova Petrovska and Vasil Hristov. Vasil Hristov also designed the set, with costumes by Roze Trajchevska – Ristoska.

The cast includes Sanja Arsovska as Hedda Gabler Tesman, Zoran Ljutkov as Judge Brack, Vladimir Petrovic as Jergen Tesman, Deniz Abdula as Eylert Levborg, and Sara Klimoska as Tea Tesman.

Director Vasil Hristov emphasizes the play’s relevance in today’s society, noting how Ibsen’s character challenges societal norms and raises awareness of women’s issues. Hristov highlights Hedda Gabler’s struggle for autonomy and her ambition for power, which ultimately leads to the “murder of perfection itself.”

Hristov also notes that the play has been interpreted in different ways over the years, dramaturgically adapted, structurally modified, and used as a motive by authors who love his work. The dramatic material opens up opportunities to intervene within it in accordance with contemporary theatrical concepts, readings, interpretations conditioned by the social changes that inevitably occur. Hristov suggests that the play’s themes of mental health, identity crisis, and moral-ethical norms resonate strongly with contemporary audiences.

Audiences can also catch “Hedda Gabler” on April 24, 2025, as part of the Drama Theater’s regular repertoire.