The Wild Duck

Written by Henrik Ibsen

Narrated by Geoffrey Giuliano and & The Ark

"The Wild Duck" is a play written by Henrik Ibsen, a renowned Norwegian playwright. First published in 1884, it is considered one of Ibsen's most complex and psychologically intense works. "The Wild Duck" delves into themes of truth, illusion, and the consequences of deception, exploring the effects of hidden truths on individuals and their relationships.

The play revolves around the Ekdal family and their complex dynamics. Gregers Werle, a well-intentioned but idealistic outsider, enters their lives and sets in motion a chain of events that unravel long-held secrets. Central to the story is the metaphor of the wild duck, which represents the ideal of truth and the consequences of disrupting the illusions that people construct to protect themselves.

Through the characters' interactions and revelations, Ibsen explores the destructive nature of hidden truths and the self-deception that individuals engage in to maintain a fragile sense of happiness. The play raises questions about the value of truth, the masks people wear to navigate their lives, and the consequences of confronting or avoiding painful realities.

Ibsen's skillful character development and intricate plot twists make "The Wild Duck" a powerful exploration of human nature and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. The play challenges societal norms and exposes the destructive effects of maintaining illusions. It serves as a critique of social hypocrisy and the consequences of clinging to idealistic notions of truth.

"The Wild Duck" continues to be regarded as a significant work in the canon of modern drama. Its exploration of truth, illusion, and the consequences of deception resonates with audiences, prompting contemplation of the human capacity for self-deception and the inherent complexities of navigating relationships and society.

.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Icon Audio Arts
• Release date: Jun 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887679921

Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright who thrived during the late nineteenth century. He began his professional career at age 15 as a pharmacist’s apprentice. He would spend his free time writing plays, publishing his first work Catilina in 1850, followed by The Burial Mound that same year. He eventually earned a position as a theatre director and began producing his own material. Ibsen’s prolific catalogue is noted for depicting modern and real topics. His major titles include Brand, Peer Gynt and Hedda Gabler.

Reviews for The Wild Duck

[aliceanna-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. The fatal flaw of hubris makes Hialmar into a tragic anti-hero with Gregers as his well-meaning but evil nemesis.

[takeitorleaveit_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Swan Lake+Bizzare Love Triangle = Ibsen's The Wild Duck. At first a dull tale turns into a riveting one about deceit, sorrow, greed, despair and misunderstanding. A life goal would be to direct Ibsen's brilliant play in a post-modern adaptation.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The tragedy of this play is not that truth is revealed. It is that there is no saving human love. Gregers is like a blast of unfeeling idealism. Not only does he see what is true, but he refuses to accept any truth that doesn't fit his conception of "how" humans should behave. He wants lies exposed not to bring resolution and closeness, but to "punish" bad behavior. The ironic thing about this play is that Hjalmar doesn't really care about the truth until he is forced to - and even then, if Gregers had left things alone, there are clear signs that Hjalmar would have been talked back into his regular life. It is only his daughter that bears the full brunt of the tragedy.

[jpsnow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Having also read Roshersholm, I see why The Wild Duck is oft cited as one of his best.