John Gabriel Borkman (SE)

As a bank director, he speculated with the bank’s money, was caught and sentenced to prison. Now he has locked himself inside his house, placing himself on trial, acquitting himself again and again. Mrs Borkman is ashamed, placing her hopes on her son to clear the family name. Ella, Mrs Borkman’s twin sister, was the love of John Gabriel Borkman’s life, but he chose his career over her. She pays an unexpected visit to the house where time appears to stand still. All three still live their lives in a state of angry loss. All three still dream of happiness …

Director Hilda Hellwig has already made a name for herself in Norway with several of her previous productions.  In JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN she places three great Swedish actors – Jan Malmsjö as Borkman, Maria Göranzon and Agneta Ekmanner as the rivalling sisters – in a production that has taken critics by storm and played to packed houses. JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN is in some ways a classical Dramaten production: magnificent acting and spectacular costumes. But the psychological realism has been heightened by several notches, to a state of expressive comedy and hysteria. This is not a show where characters wander about, reciting fateful lines, oh no. Here, two aging sisters fistfight over their childhood toys, just like they have fought over the men in their lives. We meet people who have made loss into the stuff of their lives, loss performed with guts and hot tempers.

Cast: John Gabriel Borkman - Jan Malmsjö, Mrs Gunhild Borkman - Marie Göranzon, Erhart Borkman - Jon Karlsson, Miss Ella Rentheim - Agneta Ekmanner, Mrs Fanny Wilton - Elin Klinga, Wilhelm Foldal - Magnus Ehrner, Frida Foldal - Suzanna Dilber, Mrs Borkman’s chambermaid - Hulda Lind, The girls - Sofia Moberg/Ella Calais, Ellen Moberg/Andrea Calais

Director: Hilda Hellwig. Scenographer: Jan Lundberg. Costume designer: Ann-Margret Fyregård. Lighting designer: Ellen Ruge. Translated by Klas Östergren.