A Norwegian play acted in English on an American stage by a Greek actress is a combination to raise even the most imperturbable eyebrow. When the play is Ibsen's, the actress is Katina Paxinou, and the lines are streamlined in a modernized translation, the result is enough to raise the other eyebrow and a good round of applause to boot. Though in any production of "Hedda Gabler" Henrik Ibsen must remain the outstanding attraction, Mrs. Paxinou interprets the role with challenging individuality. Her sensitivity and restraint as the neurotic and theatrical Hedda prevent her overdoing a part that can be easily overdone. No doubt "Hedda Gabler" profits from the fact that its star is no stranger either to Ibsen or the English language as a medium, having played in "Ghosts" on the London stage last year. It is to be hoped that the Greeks have many good words for Katina Paxinou. She deserves them all.

As to the rest, there are no more than the usual first-run slips and jagged edges, and Boston as a stepping stone to Broadway has become inured to these. In an unusually well balanced supporting cast, Ralph Forbes as Hedda's phlegmatic spouse has a slight edge by virtue of the part he plays, though the acting of Cecil Humphreys and Henry Daniell is equally good. The only question mark in Luther Greene's set-up is Karen Morley, who lacks the assurance and stage sense of the other members of the cast. The total effect is entertaining, and does Ibsen full justice.