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Henrik Ibsen Headshot

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


LCT's THE BLOOD QUILT to Offer $39 Tickets Through Online Lottery

Lincoln Center Theater is launching an online ticket lottery for its production of Katori Hall’s THE BLOOD QUILT. Gathering at their childhood island home off the coast of Georgia, four sisters meet to create a family quilt to honor their recently deceased mother. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase discounted tickets.
Review: THE WILD DUCK, Coronet Theatre

The Coronet's co-production with the Norwegian Ibsen Company (NIC) and Bergen's Den Nationale Scene examines the dangers of idealism through the story of the Ekdal family ripped apart by the arrival of Hjalmar Ekdal's childhood friend, Gregers Werle (also the son of wealthy industrialist Hakon). Read the review.
SING STREET and More Set For Lyric Hammersmith's 130th Anniversary Season

2025 marks the 130th birthday of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and the theatre has announced its new season of work that showcases the bold, original storytelling that has kept this Frank Matcham auditorium at the heart of West London and UK theatre for over a century.
A DOLL'S HOUSE and A DOLL'S HOUSE PART 2 Come to Beverly Hills Playhouse

Beverly Hills Playhouse will present the world premiere of two stimulating drama’s A DOLL’S HOUSE by Henrik Ibsen, directed by Mia Christou and A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 by Lucas Hnath, directed by Allen Barton  This is the first time these plays will be seen together in Rep.
Further Cast, Creative Team, and Dates Set For Cate Blanchett-Led THE SEAGULL at The Barbican Theatre

Further casting has been announced for Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier's new version of Chekhov's masterpiece The Seagull. Learn more about the show here!
Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand to Bring Harold Clurman In LET IT BE ART! To Athens

Ronald Rand will perform his acclaimed solo play LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman in Athens during the Global Arts Education Summit, marking nearly 25 years of world tours. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Springbok Production House Will Present Queer Adaptation of HEDDA GABLER

Award-winning Springbok Production House will bring a fresh and challenging queer adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler to the stage.
Photos: A DOLL'S HOUSE At Sheffield Theatres

Sheffield Theatres has released first look production photos of A Doll’s House opening tomorrow, 26 September, in the Crucible Theatre and playing until 12 October.
OUR TOWN Comes to Wright State Theatre

Our Town, a deeply moving and thought-provoking piece of theatre written by Thorton Wilder and described by playwright Edward Albee as the finest American play ever written, envelops us in the places and faces of Grover’s Corners, holding up a mirror to all of humanity.
The Filigree Theatre to Present SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER in October

The Filigree Theatre will present their Sixth Season, 'Masks & Mirrors,' starting with Tennessee Williams' 'Suddenly Last Summer,' running at Factory on Fifth in Austin, Texas. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Thunderous Productions Announces A DOLL'S HOUSE and More for 2024-25 Season

Thunderous Productions announced their fall lineup, featuring new plays, workshops, and community events.
Cast Set for THE BLOOD QUILT By Katori Hall at Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Theater has revealed the cast for its upcoming production of THE BLOOD QUILT, by Katori Hall, directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz. See who is starring and learn more about the production.
Photos: A DOLL'S HOUSE in Rehearsal at Sheffield Theatres

All new photos have been released from rehearsal for A Doll's House at Sheffield Theatres, by Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Chris Bush, and directed by Elin Schofield. Performances run Saturday 21 September – Saturday 12 October 2024. Check out the photos here!
Interview: Jana Mestecky of A DOLL'S HOUSE with Crescent City Stage

Crescent City Stage is bringing a contemporary take on a theatrical classic to life with its current production of A DOLL' S HOUSE, adapted by playwright Amy Herzog. Known for her character-driven storytelling, Herzog reimagines Henrik Ibsen's 19th-century masterpiece for today's audiences, offering a fresh yet faithful interpretation of this enduring exploration of love, identity and liberation.
San Jose Stage Company To Present the West Coast Premiere of THE SMUGGLER And More In 2024-2025 Season

San Jose Stage Company will launch its highly anticipated 42nd Season, 'Exploration, Revelation, and Transformation.”
Amy Herzog's Adaptation of Ibsen's AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Acquired By Concord Theatricals For Licensing

Concord Theatricals has secured exclusive worldwide English language stage licensing rights to Amy Herzog's 2024 Tony Award-nominated adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People for its Samuel French imprint.
Open Book Theatre Company Kicks Off Season With A DOLL'S HOUSE PART 2

Open Book Theatre Company has announced its season opener, A DOLL'S HOUSE PART 2, in Metro Detroit.
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, ANYTHING GOES and More Set for Shaw Festival in 2025

Artistic Director Tim Carroll has revealed the Shaw Festival playbill for next season.
Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke Will Lead New Version of THE SEAGULL at The Barbican Theatre

Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke will star in Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier's new version of Chekhov's masterpiece The Seagull. Also directed by Ostermeier, the production will play a limited 6 week run at the Barbican Theatre from February 2025. 
Cast Set For A DOLL'S HOUSE at the Crucible

Sheffield Theatres has announced the cast for A Doll's House, which runs in the Crucible from Saturday 21 September – Saturday 12 October 2024. Learn more about the cast here!

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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