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by Henrik Ibsen, directed by László Marton

Soulpepper Theatre Company, Harbourfront Theatre Centre, Toronto

July 20-September 3, 2005

Soulpepper has given Ibsen’s 1884 masterpiece The Wild Duck an electrifying production.  The entire cast gives note-perfect performances while Lászó Marton’s incisive direction exposes the painful emotions at the play heart’s as well as Ibsen’s scathing critique of misdirected idealism. 

The mission of Gregers Werle (Brent Carver) is to undo the harm done years earlier by his wealthy father (David Hemblen) to the family of his best friend Hjalmar Ekdal (Diego Matamoros).  The Ekdals have adjusted, but Gregers the idealist thinks that by exposing the secrets that underlie the smooth running of Hjalmar’s family he will cause them to live more truthful lives.  The results are devastating. 

In a brilliant performance Carver, speaking in chillingly hushed tones, metamorphoses from justifiably outraged son to demonic force to lunatic right before our eyes.  Matamoros, Maggie Huculak as his wife and an amazing Martha MacIsaac as their 14-year-old daughter all give frighteningly truthful performances of raw emotional power.  Hemblen as Gregers’ icy father, William Webster as Hjalmar’s disoriented father and Joseph Ziegler as Gregers’ philosophic opponent Dr. Relling are just as compelling.

Ibsen’s portrayal of the dangers of forcing a personal ideal of perfection onto others is more relevant than ever.  Soulpepper’s production is unmissable.  

©Christopher Hoile

Note: A version of this review appeared in Eye Weekly 2005-07-28.

Photo: William Webster, Brent Carver, Diego Matamoros and Martha MacIsaac.

©Guntar Kravis.