'Hilda' at 59E59's Theater A

Laura Pels International Foundation present Hilda, by Marie Ndiaye, opening at 59E59's Theater A on the 15 Nov 2005, following previews from the 11 Nov and running through to the 11 Dec 2005. Part of Act French: A Season of New Theater from France.

Hilda is the haunting story of Mrs. Lemarchand, an upper-class French woman, and her consuming obsession with Hilda, the nanny she hires to care for her children. This abstract play about one woman�s pathological need for control over another illuminates complicated real-life issues between mothers and the care-givers they employ.

The play explores the nature of indebtedness on many levels, most especially the deep resentments that form when a person becomes overly indebted to someone else. What begins as an altruistic gesture (helping someone out, lending them what they need, or what you think they need) can lead to a dangerous symbiosis that hurts both parties. Mrs. Lemarchand, under the guise of left-wing persuasions, believes she is improving the quality of Hilda�s life by giving her clothes and books and talking with her about social issues as if they were equals. But a line gets crossed and there is no turning back.

Hilda was originally produced at Th��tre de l�Atelier, Paris in 2002. It was awarded the Grand Prix de la Critique 2001-2002. In 2003, in a translation commissioned by Laura Pels, Hilda was presented at the Public Theater in the New Works Now! festival of readings, directed by Jo Bonney. In January 2005, Hilda had its American premiere in a co-production with American Conservatory Theater directed by Carey Perloff at the Zeum Theater in San Francisco. With support from the Laura Pels International Foundation.

Hilda, directed by Carey Perloff, features Ellen Karas, Michael Earle and Brandy Burre.

The play has scenic design by Donald Eastman, costumes by David F. Draper, lighting by Nancy Schertler, sound design by Cliff Caruther, and original music composed by David Lang.