James Bundy Concludes Yale Tenure with Ibsen’s ‘Hedda Gabler’

James Bundy, a prominent figure in the theater community, is set to conclude his lengthy tenure as both the artistic director of the Yale Repertory Theatre and dean of the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. Bundy announced in February that he will step down from his roles at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, marking over two decades in leadership since his appointment in 2002.

This month, Bundy is directing his final production, Henrik Ibsen’s renowned play, “Hedda Gabler,” which runs from November 28 to December 20, 2023. The production features Marianna Gailus in the title role and employs a translation by Paul Walsh, a Yale professor specializing in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism.

Under Bundy’s leadership, the Yale Rep has expanded its offerings, supporting both classic and contemporary works. He initiated the “Will Power” program, providing annual opportunities for school groups to attend performances, primarily focusing on Shakespeare but also including significant modern playwrights such as August Wilson. Additionally, he established the Binger Center for New Theatre, which has successfully commissioned and produced new plays, leading to several transitioning to Broadway and other regional theaters. Notable productions developed through this initiative include Paula Vogel’s “Indecent” and Amy Herzog’s “Mary Jane.”

Bundy’s innovations also include securing funding for tuition-free education at the drama school, leading to its renaming in honor of donor David Geffen. He oversees plans for a new facility to support both the school and theater, although the project remains ongoing. As he prepares for his departure, Bundy continues to teach courses on directing, text analysis, and Shakespeare, while focusing his current efforts on the production of “Hedda Gabler.”

This choice is emblematic of Bundy’s career-long interest in strong female characters facing societal constraints. His previous directorial works include plays such as “A Woman of No Importance” and “Virginia Woolf,” showcasing women grappling with patriarchal challenges. Bundy’s engagement with Ibsen’s work is timely, questioning the persistent issues of gender inequality.

As he reflects on the relevance of “Hedda Gabler,” Bundy poses a critical question: “Why does our society continue to manifest misogyny?” He emphasizes that the themes Ibsen explored in 1890 remain strikingly relevant in 2025. In his interpretation, Bundy aims to present a refreshing perspective on the characters, opting for a youthful portrayal that resonates with contemporary audiences.

“Hedda is 29, six months married and pregnant,” he explains, noting the significance of age and life changes during this period. The cast also includes several familiar faces, many of whom are graduates of the drama school during Bundy’s tenure. This includes Austin Durant and Stephanie Machado, who have previously collaborated with him.

Bundy expresses enthusiasm for keeping classic works alive, stating, “It’s a sweet spot for me. It’s fun for me, and it can be a different sort of challenge for the students.” He notably praises Walsh’s translation, emphasizing its fidelity to the original Norwegian text.

Following his departure from Yale in June 2026, Bundy looks forward to dedicating more time to his wife, Anne Tofflemire, a well-known singer and theater instructor. He remains open to directing opportunities at other theaters, eager to explore a broad range of plays.

As “Hedda Gabler” marks the conclusion of Bundy’s influential career at Yale, it serves as a powerful testament to his enduring impact on the theater landscape. The production will take place at the Yale Repertory Theatre, located at 1120 Chapel St., New Haven, with performances scheduled for Tuesdays through Fridays at 20:00 and Saturdays at 14:00 and 20:00. Tickets range from $15 to $65 and can be purchased through the Yale Rep website.