BABYLON, NY — Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island, a professional theatrical company in residence at the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA), is proud to announce its upcoming production of Henrik Ibsen’s psychological tour de force, Hedda Gabler.

This limited engagement runs from May 16th through May 31st at the BACCA Arts Center.

Often described as the “female Hamlet,” Hedda Gabler remains one of the most challenging and coveted roles in world drama. The play dramatizes the harrowing experience of Hedda, a General’s daughter trapped in a stifling marriage and a domestic life she finds utterly repulsive. Ibsen famously titled the play using her maiden name, Gabler, to signify that she is to be regarded as her father’s daughter rather than her husband’s wife—a woman at war with the societal expectations of the 19th century.

“Our mission is to produce those classic and modern works seldom seen on Long Island,” says John Emro, director of this classic play. “By bringing Hedda Gabler to the BACCA Arts Center, we continue our commitment to innovative storytelling and non-traditional casting, ensuring these timeless narratives resonate with a modern, diverse audience.”

THE CAST Leading the production as the titular Hedda Gabler is Elle Lucksted. She is joined by a powerhouse ensemble featuring:

• Paul DeFilippo as George Tesman
• Renatto Corneja as Eilert Lovborg
• Alexa Roosevelt as Thea Elvstead
• Joe Cavagnet as Judge Brack
• Candace Wilkerson as Aunt Julia
• Erica Jeudy as Berte

ABOUT THE PLAY Since its premiere in 1891, Hedda Gabler has been canonized as a masterpiece of literary realism. It is a chilling study of power, manipulation, and the desperate search for agency within a gilded cage. Hedda’s married name is Hedda Tesman; Gabler is her maiden name. On the subject of the title, Ibsen wrote: “My intention in giving it this name was to indicate that Hedda as a personality is to be regarded rather as her father’s daughter than her husband’s wife.”

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

• DATES: May 16 – May 31, 2026
• LOCATION: BACCA Arts Center, 149 N. Wellwood Ave, Babylon, NY 11704
• TICKETS

Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization seeking to bring innovative theatrical productions to the local area. It is our goal to produce those classic and modern works seldom seen on Long Island. We are a proponent of non-traditional casting and invite actors of all ethnicities, gender identities and orientations to join our community. We are the official theatre company in residence at the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, BACCA Arts Center.