Henrik Ibsen Headshot

Henrik Ibsen

Date of Death: May 23, 1906 (78)

Birth Place: Skien, NORWAY

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Henrik Ibsen 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.

Henrik Ibsen Productions

 
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Henrik Ibsen 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

Henrik Ibsen Videos

Henrik Ibsen News


AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Ends Broadway Run With Record-Breaking Week

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, starring 2024 Tony Award Winner Jeremy Strong, played its final performance on Sunday, June 23, and broke the Circle in the Square Box Office record.
Review: HEDDA GABLER, Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Recently married and just returned from her honeymoon, Hedda ought to be looking forward to a life of security and domestic bliss – but something isn’t right. Happiness seems entirely out of her reach.
Amy Herzog's Adaptation of A DOLL'S HOUSE is Now Available For Licensing in the UK and Ireland

Concord Theatricals has announced that Amy Herzog’s 2023 Tony Award®-nominated adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House is now available for professional and amateur licensing in the UK and Ireland. 
3 Broadway Shows Close Today

Today, June 23, 2024, Broadway says goodbye to two limited-run productions and one open-run production. An Enemy of the People takes its final bow at the Circle in the Square Theatre following 23 previews and 112 regular performances; Patriots will conclude its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre following 21 previews and 72 regular performances; and The Heart of Rock and Roll concludes at the James Earl Jones Theatre following 24 previews and 72 regular performances.
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Breaks Circle In the Square Box Office Record

An Enemy of the People has broken the box office record at Circle in the Square Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 11, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 11, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Recoups on Broadway

The revival of Henrik Ibsen’s masterwork An Enemy of the People, adapted by Tony Award Nominee Amy Herzog and directed by Tony Award Winner Sam Gold, has recouped its $5.5 million capitalization. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
MCNEAL Starring Robert Downey, Jr., FLOYD COLLINS, and More Set For Lincoln Center's 2024-25 Broadway Season

Lincoln Center Theater has announced its 2024-2025 season of productions, including Robert Downey, Jr.'s Broadway debut, the Broadway premiere of Adam Guettel and Tina Landau's Floyd Collins, and more.
Theatre for the New City to Present August Strindberg Rep in MISS JULIE 1925

From June 27 to July 7, Theater for the New City will present August Strindberg Rep in a production, translated from the Swedish and adapted by Robert Greer, that transplants Strindberg's story to a Long Island country estate in 1925. 
Bill Murray, Kathryn Erbe, and More Will Perform AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE With Environmental Activists Extinction Rebellion

Theater of War Productions and the world-wide environmental movement Extinction Rebellion are joining forces to perform scenes from Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People in Times Square on the Red Steps on June 12.
Review: Sara Topham Delivers a Masterful Performance as HEDDA GABLER at the Stratford Festival

The emotions evoked by this play are complex ones. HEDDA GABLER is raw and disturbing and funny and devastating. It is the story of a complicated woman trapped in a world that does not suit her. It explores the psyche of Hedda in a way that leads to more questions than answers. This piece will likely lead some theatregoers to engage in deep discussions while it will leave others speechless.
Tanghalang Ateneo Will Perform MGA MULTO This June

Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theater company of the Higher Education Cluster  of Ateneo de Manila, will present this June 2024, Mga Multo, a classic play based on Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts, directed by Ron Capinding, and translated to Filipino by Ron Capinding and Guelan Varela-Luarca.
Gingold Theatrical Group To Present Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. As Part Of Project Shaw

Gingold Theatrical Group will present Oscar Wilde's THE PORTRAIT OF MR. W.H. as part of Project Shaw, showcasing a unique exploration of Wilde's intriguing mystery. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: HEDDA GABLER at Coal Mine Theatre

Director Moya O’Connell’s take on Henrik Ibsen’s play, in a new version by Liisa Repo-Martel, emphasizes the power of triangles, relationship groupings that seem stable but which are easily unbalanced by such an act of bisection. With a dynamite cast, an accessible adaptation, and the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped in Hedda’s living room, this HEDDA GABLER is as fiery as its heroine’s desire to burn down everything around her.
Sacramento Ballet to Present Season Finale INNOVATIONS Featuring Balanchine/Stravinsky's APOLLO

Catch the SACRAMENTO BALLET's season finale, INNOVATIONS, featuring the legendary first collaboration of Balanchine/Stravinsky, APOLLO. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Duality Theatre Company Announces Tickets For Upcoming Production Of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

Catch Duality Theatre Company's production of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, directed by Zoé Soteres, at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park from May 17th to 26th. This student-run company promises a performance that's funny, dramatic, silly, and serious.
Marin Theatre Announces Two U.S. Premieres And More For 2024/25 Season

Marin Theatre reveals its 24/25 season featuring two U.S. premieres and more.
Crow's Theatre Reveals 2024-25 Season Lineup

Crow's Theatre has announced its 41st season, the largest and most ambitious season in the company's history. Learn more about the season here!
A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 to Open at Beck Center for the Arts

​​​​​​​Beck Center for the Arts will present a production of A Doll's House, Part 2. See when and where you can see the performance. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: NORA at Antaeus Theatre Company

The problem with NORA is that in the longer, three-act running time of “A Doll’s House,” Nora’s world and its inhabitants would be fleshed out so that they had depth that is not evident in this adaptation.

Henrik Ibsen 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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