Family secrets, forbidden desires... and ghosts. Ibsen's Ghosts are no spectral hauntings but absent people, events long buried, and conventions that shape us and our lives, whether we know it or not.
Why Ibsen? Why now?
Ghosts premiered in 1882, but the play's themes are still very relevant in today’s world.
First is the question of determinism versus free will. As we get older, we perceive that events often unfold because of past antecedents. Antecedents which may be unknown to us or may date back generations. How often do we have regrets and wonder, “Why did I do that?”, commenting on behaviors which we don’t recognize in ourselves.
It's cognitive dissonance, and with our ability to map genetic codes, new questions have arisen about the extent of deterministic behavior. Even trauma is now known to leave a genetic imprint. Yet, we know little about our pasts. All that we know of our parents' and grandparents' lives are what they tell us.
And who knows what they left out? Who knows how this genetic baggage with all its secrets influences our behavior? Does this mean we are condemned to repeat the past or to endure its impact?
Hence, the title of the play - "Gengangere", the original Danish title, meaning both "ones who return" and "events which repeat themselves".
Scandal
The play created a scandal when it was first published and performed. Why is that and what are some of the other themes?
In 1882, it was in many ways ahead of its time and for that reason, was considered outrageously controversial for its themes and treatment of them. Religion and its influence figure prominently.
We see a woman who has striven for a lifetime to maintain appearances and conform to societal expectations, all the while clandestinely engaging with her own intellectual curiosity. She desires emancipation from the constraints of a religious, patriarchal, and often hypocritical society, but torn by a sense of duty, she struggles to fully embrace those desires and the consequences they would bring. Morality, convention, secrets, sacrifice, and ultimately, the liberation brought by truth are all explored.
Other topics which resonate are the dilemma of euthanasia and the issue of pandemic disease - in this case, syphilis. Syphilis was, in the 19th century, especially, a devastating disease that carried a profound moral stigma, much like AIDS had in the late 20th century.
There is also incest, which caused great consternation at that time. The incest, in this play, however, is not willful, but unwitting incest due to hidden parentage.
These topics, more familiar to modern-day, secular audiences, were deeply shocking to the 19th century public - especially as Ibsen treated them realistically and thoughtfully, avoiding a reactionary or moralistic approach.
"Ghosts" captivates today for the exploration of its ideas, of the conflicts within ourselves, and the emotional depth and complexity of its characters. Caught between our own ghosts and the weight of societal pressures, this play asks: "How much free will do we really have?" - TMN, GB
Enter our competition to win a double ticket!
Continuing its long-standing relationship with Know-it-all passport, GEDS have kindly offered one of our readers the chance to win a double ticket for GHOSTS (value CHF 70.-/pair of tickets).
To enter the competition, just fill in this form and answer this multiple choice question: In what year did Ghosts premier?
Only one entry per person and per email is allowed. The competition closes at midnight on Tuesday, 1 October 2024. The names of all those submitting correct answers will be placed into the digital hat and the winner’s name drawn at random by Wednesday, 2 October 2024. No cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. The winner will be notified by email.
GHOSTS
by Henrik Ibsen
directed by Gary Bird
8-12 October 2024
https://geds.ch/Tickets
Cast: Masha Neznansky, David McClenaghan, Gabriele Erba, Amanda Claire Monroe, John Ward.
Tuesday, 8 October at 19h30 Opening Night patrons are invited to have a glass of bubbly with cast and crew after the show.
Wednesday, 9 October at 19h30
Thursday, 10 October at 19h30
Friday, 11 October at 19h30
Saturday, 12 October at 19h
Théâtre de l’Espérance
Rue de la Chapelle 8
1207 Genève
Seats: CHF 25.-, CHF35.-
