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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


Review: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Great Lakes Theater
by Roy Berko - Feb 10, 2025

Mention author J. M. Barrie, and the immediate thought is Peter Pan.  Peter Pan, the tale of a boy who refused to grow up, which has become a cottage industry.   Dolls, movies, a musical play, coloring books, cartoons, Halloween costumes, a non-musical play, and books are all available.   There is even a psychological condition, “The Peter Pan Syndrome,” which puts the spotlight on men who refuse to assume responsibility for their boyish actions.
EastLine Theatre Will Bring AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE To The BACCA Arts Center In Lindenhurst
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 9, 2025

EastLine Theatre opens their 2025 season at the BACCA Arts Center in Lindenhurst with a new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic An Enemy of the People by Paul DeFilippo.
Review: THE HOT WING KING at Dobama
by Roy Berko - Feb 9, 2025

What did our critic think of THE HOT WING KING at Dobama?
CONSTELLATIONS by Nick Payne Set for Rubicon Theatre Company Beginning This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 8, 2025

Rubicon Theatre will continue its 2024/2025 Dare to Dream Season with the Central Coast premiere of CONSTELLATIONS, a romantic drama by Award-winning playwright Nick Payne.
Photos: Day 10 of International Performance Of The BHARAT RANG MAHOTSAV 2025
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2025

The Tenth Day of the National School of Drama’s Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 showcased one international production, and four productions from across India. Film screenings, street plays, open stage performances, a folk band, and a talk show were also part of the day.
Lincoln Center Theater Names Nicole Kastrinos As Producer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2025

Nicole Kastrinos will join Lincoln Center Theater in the new role of Producer, beginning Monday, March 17, 2025. Learn more about Kastrinos and about the position.
Lincoln Center Hosts Event on Arts Education in New York City Public Schools
by Stephi Wild - Feb 4, 2025

The Lincoln Center Theater Education Department will host a special convening for peer organizations who do arts work with multilingual learners in NYC schools. 
Apollinaire Theatre Company Presents HEDDA GABLER
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2025

Apollinaire Theatre Company will present Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. Ibsen’s masterpiece unflinchingly leads us to the shocking but inevitable conclusion for his most beguiling antiheroine.
Photos: Meet the Cast of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE At San Jose Stage Company
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 29, 2025

San Jose Stage Company has released first look photos of the cast of The Stage’s upcoming West Coast Premiere of Henrik Ibsen’s AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE adapted by Thomas Ostermeier and Florian Borchmeyer. Directed by Kenneth Kelleher.
Cast And Creative Team Set For AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE At San Jose Stage Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2025

San Jose Stage Company has revealed the full cast and creative team for The Stage’s upcoming West Coast Premiere of Henrik Ibsen’s AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE adapted by Thomas Ostermeier and Florian Borchmeyer. Learn more!
New Light Theater Project Presents NIGHT SINGS ITS SONGS By Jon Fosse
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2025

Amidst the renewed interest in Norwegian playwright Jon Fosse's plays since his Nobel Prize for Literature in 2023, New Light Theater Project will present his 'Night Sings Its Songs,' translated by Sarah Cameron Sunde and directed by Jerry Heymann,R, 410 West 42nd Street.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 7, 2025
by - Jan 7, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 7, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Ella Beatty, Billy Crudup, and More Will Lead GHOSTS at Lincoln Center
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Henrik Ibsen’s GHOSTS, featuring a new version by Mark O’Rowe and directed by Jack O’Brien. Learn more about the cast here!
ART, MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, And More Announced for West Boca Theatre Company 2025 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2024

The Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Sandler Center will present a new season of award-winning comedic and dramatic performances presented by West Boca Theatre Company.
RICHARD III & More Set for Long Beach Shakespeare Company 2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 10, 2024

The Long Beach Shakespeare Company has revealed its season, SO THIS IS LOVE? See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
LCT's THE BLOOD QUILT to Offer $39 Tickets Through Online Lottery
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2024

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
by Cheryl Markosky - Oct 24, 2024

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
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2024

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
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2024

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
by Stephi Wild - Oct 4, 2024

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!

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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