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Henrik Ibsen

Date of Death: May 23, 1906 (78)

Birth Place: Skien, NORWAY

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BIO

Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright who is often referred to as the father of modern drama. Born in 1828 in Skien, Norway, Ibsen showed an early interest in theater and began writing plays as a young man. His early works were largely ignored, but in the 1870s, he began to gain international recognition for his plays, which challenged the conventions of the day.
Ibsen's most famous work is probably "A Doll's House," which was first performed in 1879. The play caused a scandal at the time because of its portrayal of a woman who leaves her husband and children in order to find herself. The play was seen as a feminist manifesto and was hugely influential in the women's rights movement. Today, it is still considered a masterpiece of modern drama.
Ibsen's other major works include "Ghosts," "An Enemy of the People," and "Hedda Gabler." These plays are known for their realistic portrayal of human relationships and their exploration of themes such as morality, truth, and freedom. Ibsen's plays were often controversial and were sometimes banned, but they were also hugely popular and influential.
Ibsen's influence on modern drama cannot be overstated. His realistic portrayal of human relationships and his exploration of complex themes paved the way for modern playwrights such as Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. In addition, his use of symbolism and metaphor influenced the work of writers such as James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.
Ibsen continued to write plays throughout his life, but his later works are generally considered to be less successful than his earlier ones. He died in 1906, leaving behind a legacy that has had a profound impact on the world of theater and beyond.
Overall, Henrik Ibsen was a groundbreaking playwright who revolutionized the world of theater with his realistic portrayals of human relationships and his exploration of complex themes. His influence can still be seen in modern drama and literature, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and artists.

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Awards and Nominations


winner
Olivier Awards - 2006 - Best Revival

Henrik IbsenHedda Gabler

Olivier Awards - 1991 - Best Revival of a Play or Comedy

Henrik IbsenThe Wild Duck

Videos

News


Review: SHANGHAI DOLLS, Kiln Theatre
by Franco Milazzo - Apr 11, 2025

Looking at the rise and fall of two powerful Chinese women through the vague lens of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House probably sounded good on paper. It’s a shame then that Shanghai Dolls fails to deliver on almost every front.
Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Paapa Essiedu Will Lead ALL MY SONS Directed By Ivo Van Hove in the West End
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2025

Bryan Cranston will star as ‘Joe Keller', Marianne Jean-Baptiste as ‘Kate Keller' and Paapa Essiedu as ‘Chris Keller' in Arthur Miller's ALL MY SONS. Learn more about the show here!
A DOLL'S HOUSE Comes to ActorsNET Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2025

ActorsNET is inviting audiences to experience a fresh perspective on Henrik Ibsen's seminal work with their upcoming production of 'A Doll's House.' Learn more here!
Deaf West Theatre's ELEPHANT SHOES and More Set for Two River Theater 25-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025

Two River Theater has revealed its 2025/2026 Season. The season will commence in September with the World Premiere of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Links, stylishly reimagined by Director Darko Tresnjak See the full season lineup here!
A DOLL'S HOUSE PART 2 Comes To Theatre On The Square
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2025

The critically acclaimed Tony Award-winning play A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 by Lucas Hnath arrives at the Theatre on the Square for a limited season. Learn more here!
Canadian Stage Sets 2025-26 Season Featuring World and Canadian Premieres & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 7, 2025

Canadian Stage has unveiled the organization’s 25.26 season, marked by an exhilarating program of hotly anticipated Canadian Premieres, World Premieres of new Canadian plays, the return of beloved Canadian icons, and more.
DRAG: THE MUSICAL, OUR CLASS, THREE HOUSES Lead 40th Annual Lucille Lortel Nominations
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 2, 2025

Nominations for the 40th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were just announced. Check out the full list of nominees here!
How to Read Plays Online for Free
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 29, 2025

Sometimes you want to dive into a great play without making a trip to the library—and luckily, you don’t have to. Whether you're a student, a performer, or just a fan of theatre, there are plenty of places online where you can read full scripts for free from the comfort of home.
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025

US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
THE TALE OF THE GIFTED PRINCE Musical Will Have World Premiere at Theatre Calgary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025

Theatre Calgary has revealed its 2025-26 season of plays. The lineup features six shows, including a world premiere musical, an all-new production of a Canadian Broadway hit, and more.
THE WORLD TO COME World Premiere And More Set for Theater J 2025-2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 22, 2025

Theater J has announced its 2025-2026 season, marking its 35th year of producing thought-provoking, dynamic, and impactful theater. The season includes a mix of new works and beloved classics, featuring stories that explore identity, resilience, and the intersections of Jewish life and the broader human experience.
The Inspired Acting Company to Produce Adaptation of A DOLL’S HOUSE
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 19, 2025

The Inspired Acting Company led by artistic director Jeff Thomakos has announced their upcoming production of the Tony-award winning revival of Henrik Ibsen’s A DOLL’S HOUSE.
Photos: Patricia Allison, Callum Scott Howells, and More in GHOSTS Rehearsals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2025

Ghosts at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is currently in rehearsals! Get a first look at photos of the cast in rehearsals and see how to purchase tickets to the production.
Lincoln Center Theater Reveals Complete Executive Team
by Stephi Wild - Mar 19, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater's Board of Directors, incoming LCT Artistic Director Lear deBessonet and Executive Producer Bartlett Sher announced the completion of appointments for the new executive leadership team. Learn more here!
Photos: A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 Premieres in Singapore
by Oliver Oliveros - Mar 18, 2025

Tony winner 'A Doll’s House, Part 2' (2017), written by Lucas Hnath, continues to play at the Victoria Theatre until March 23, 2025. Directed by Timothy Koh, the play, which picks up from one of Henrik Ibsen’s most popular 19th-century works, “A Doll’s House,” is produced by Pangdemonium Theatre Company Ltd.
THE RUINS World Premiere and More Set for Guthrie Theater 2025�"2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2025

The Guthrie Theater has revealed nine productions as part of its 2025–2026 mainstage season, plus a world premiere. Learn more about the season and see full programming here!
GHOSTS Extended at Lincoln Center Theater Through Late April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater has extended the run of Henrik Ibsen’s GHOSTS. The cast features Billy Crudup, Lily Rabe and more. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Watch: Billy Crudup Shares Onstage Panic Attack Experience During HARRY CLARKE Performance
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 4, 2025

On a recent visit to Live with Kelly and Mark, Billy Crudup recalled a time during one of the first performances of his one-man show Harry Clarke when he had a panic attack and forgot his lines onstage. Watch him talk about the experience here.
STC Sets 40th Season Featuring Wendell Pierce, Bill Irwin and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2025

Shakespeare Theatre Company has revealed the lineup of its upcoming 25/26 Season, celebrating the company’s 40th season exploring classic storytelling in Washington, D.C. See the lineup and learn more!
Review: A DOLL'S HOUSE, Golden Goose Theatre
by Amber-Rae Stobbs - Feb 27, 2025

Ibsen's classic tale of the issues surrounding a mother's responsibilities comes to South London

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Henrik Ibsen written?

Henrik Ibsen has written 28 shows including Pillars of Society (Playwright), Ghosts (Playwright), John Gabriel Borkman (Playwright), When We Dead Awake (Playwright), Love's Comedy (Playwright), Brand (Playwright), Little Eyolf (Playwright), The Lady from the Sea (Playwright), Peer Gynt (Playwright), An Enemy of the People (Playwright), The Wild Duck (Playwright), The Master Builder (Playwright), The Vikings (Playwright), Rosmersholm (Playwright), A Doll's House (Playwright), Peer Gynt (Playwright), John Gabriel Borkman (Playwright), Little Eyolf (Playwright), Hedda Gabler (Playwright), Peer Gynt I (Playwright), Peer Gynt II (Playwright), An Enemy of the People (Playwright), Brand (Playwright), A Doll's House (Playwright), Hedda Gabler (Playwright), transFigures (Text), Hedda Gabler (Playwright), A Doll's House (Original Playwright).

What awards has Henrik Ibsen been nominated for?

Henrik Ibsen has been nominated for several awards. He was nominated for Best Revival at the Olivier Awards for his play "Hedda Gabler" and also for Best Revival of a Play or Comedy at the Olivier Awards for "The Wild Duck". These nominations recognize the outstanding productions of Ibsen's works in the theater industry.

What awards has Henrik Ibsen won?

Henrik Ibsen has won the Best Revival award at the Olivier Awards for his play "Hedda Gabler".

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