Arcola Theatre has announced full casting for its upcoming production of The Master Builder, David Edgar’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s acclaimed drama. Directed by Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen, the production will run in Studio 1 from 16 October to 21 November.
Olivier Award-nominated and Critics’ Circle Award-winning actor Greg Hicks will lead the cast as celebrated architect Halvard Solness, a man confronting the consequences of ambition, success and a legacy threatened by the rise of a younger generation.
Joining Hicks is Louisa Binder as Hilde Wangel, the enigmatic young woman who re-enters Solness’s life and challenges him to fulfil a promise made years before. Jade Williams will play Kaja Fosli, while Sally George takes on the role of Aline Solness.
Ryan Wichert and Robin Hooper will appear as Ragnar and Knut Brovik respectively, with Peter Guinness playing Doctor Herdal. Josh Picton joins the company as understudy Ragnar Brovik.
Described as Ibsen’s most personal work, The Master Builder explores artistic ambition, the cost of power and the legacies we leave behind. Edgar’s adaptation brings fresh resonance to the classic text while remaining faithful to its enduring themes.
Ergen said: “Now feels like the perfect moment to stage The Master Builder.
“Edgar’s striking adaptation allows questions of ambition, legacy and success to resonate beyond Ibsen’s world, connecting the anxieties of the original with our own contemporary preoccupations on the generational divide and what it is we leave behind.”
The production reunites Greg Hicks with Ergen following their collaborations on Arcola Theatre’s sold-out productions of An Enemy of the People and Richard III.
Audiences will follow Solness as he grapples with fears of irrelevance and the mistakes of the past. When Hilde Wangel unexpectedly returns to his life, he is forced to confront the true cost of his achievements and decide whether his final creation will secure his legacy or lead to his downfall.
The creative team includes playwright Henrik Ibsen, adaptor David Edgar, set and costume designer Robert Innes Hopkins, lighting designer Richard Williamson, sound designer Deniz Dortok, casting director Rob Kelly and assistant director Aoife Beaumont.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
