By Rick A. Elina
The translation of any classic work from its original language to English can be risky business. So much so, it’s become a cliché. Think “lost in translation.” However, the translation of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts beginning with its original Norwegian title, Gengangere, which literally translates to Revenants or “the ones who return” nothing is lost and much is gained. The term ghost implies a much broader construct and can be the embodiment of many things above and beyond the occasional bump in the night. Rest assured, the depths of Ibsen’s Ghosts run far deeper.
Ibsen’s story is not a ghost story in the traditional sense, but many ghosts inhabit this idyllic setting. Captain Alving, the patriarchal apparition, was a pillar of the community. So much so that his widow, Helen Alving, played brilliantly by Susan Sargeant, is planning to dedicate an orphanage to his good name. As with all dearly departed who are well spoken of, so long as it’s in the past tense, Captain Alving was a suspect spirit and not at all what he was purported to be. In reality the philanthropist was a philanderer. Among his many sins, Captain Alving fathered an illegitimate daughter, Regina Enstrand (Hilary Couch) who also happens to be Mrs. Alving’s maid. To make matters worse, The Alving’s only son, Oswald (Mike Schraeder) has recently returned from Paris so that he may profess his love for Regina. Mr. Schraeder brings such energy to the stage, that it is little wonder the skeletons in the closet become restless and begin to rattle.
If you think things couldn’t get much worse, well, you would be wrong. There is another reason for Oswald’s homecoming; he has a terrible secret to share with his devoted mother. He’s dying from syphilis contracted during birth, from his father. His claim for Regina is a last ditch effort to maintain some quality of life for his remaining days. Quite literally, their union becomes a matter of life or death. When faced with losing it all, including the orphanage, will Helen provide what Oswald really needs? The ultimate escape from the sins visited upon him by his father.
Bill Jenkins as Reverend Manders is perfectly cast and speaks in such a commanding voice, that it’s easy to visualize him delivering a sermon from the pulpit. Jakkob Engstrand, Regina’s “adoptive” father brings a bit of light comedic relief to a story otherwise laden with heavy and controversial topics that dared be mentioned. After all, these unmentionables are the real ghosts in the play. The topics that we all know are there but refuse to acknowledge. Their presence haunts us none-the-less.
Ghosts continues through October 25. For more information, call (214) 675-6573 or visit www. WingSpanTheatre.com for more details.
Rick A. Elina is a playwright based in Plano, Texas and is the Theatre Critic for The North Dallas Gazette.
