by Hugh Hunter

“The Wild Duck” (1884) was a turning point in Henrik Ibsen’s career. Now in rotating repertoire at Quintessence Theatre with “Julius Caesar,” director Rebecca Wright uses the same actors in bringing to life a tragicomic play about a maniacal idealist.

Early works like “A Doll’s House” were considered scandalous, as Ibsen sought to stir up public discussion by attacking accepted social norms. Yet Ibsen takes a big U-turn in “The Wild Duck” and attacks the provocateur type instead.

The wild duck is equally heavy-handed and affecting as the play’s core symbol. Shot by villainous Werle (Michael Brusasco), it dove to the marsh bottom to drown itself in the grasses but was retrieved by a hunting dog. The crippled duck now represents all those whom Werle has ruined.

And there are so many. He ruined Old Ekdal (Paul Hebron), who now lives with son, Hjalmar. Almost hidden in the rear of the house, you glimpse a green, marshy world. It is the fantasy attic where doddering Ekdal keeps the duck, and with the help of spooky light and sound you accept its physical reality.

The rest of Hjalmar’s house barely has a closet big enough to contain all the family skeletons. They would stay buried, too, if it were not for Gregers Werle (Tom Carman). Determined to avenge his father’s sins, he fills up Hjalmar’s empty head with his “Summons of the Ideal.”

According to Gregers, we always win redemption through total honesty that leads to forgiveness, an impossible idealism that only brings tragedy to Gina Ekdal (Brett Ashley Robinson), Hjalmar’s wife, and their young daughter Hedwig (played remarkably well by 10-year old Deysha Nelson).

While women suffer, men rule the roost. Dr. Relling (Mary Tuomanen) and Gregers fight for Hjalmar’s pathetic, pliable soul.  Like a desperate boxer, Gregers slugs away with his messianic idealism while drunken, cynical Relling counters with the argument that ideals are self-serving lies.

At its best, the Quintessence show is quietly funny. David Pica shines in the tough role of dimwit Hjalmar. Full of dopey looks, Hjalmar's anger is comically sham as all the guys push him around, while Gina must run the family business and butter his bread.

The play is full of delicious touches, and in supreme irony, wicked father Werle is the one who fulfills his son’s ideal, seeking to atone for wrongdoing and consummating an honest marriage.

Many consider Ibsen the founder of modern drama. With his intellectual and tragicomic sensibility, he much influenced Anton Chekhov, but Ibsen damages the tone of “The Wild Duck” with a melodramatic ending. In his own work, Chekhov was careful not to make the same mistake.

Quintessence Theatre is located at 7137 Germantown Ave. “The Wild Duck” will run through April 29. Tickets at 215-987-4450 or www.QuintessenceTheatre.org.