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Henrik Ibsen Headshot

Henrik Ibsen

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.

Productions

 
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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


Photos: Marianna Gailus and More Star in HEDDA GABLER at Yale Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025

Yale Repertory Theatre is presenting Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, the final production staged by James Bundy as the organization’s Artistic Director, after 23 years of leadership at Yale (where he has also served as Elizabeth Parker Ware Dean of David Geffen School of Drama). Check out photos of the production.
Review: THE ROBINSON COMEDY at Joe T Robinson High School in Little Rock
by Theresa Bertram - Dec 1, 2025

I love when a school gets creative and develops a concept that truly spotlights the strengths of their students. This was absolutely the case with Joe T. Robinson High School’s theatre program as they presented The Robinson Comedy, directed by Caitlin Peterson. The Senator Stage Team not only studied a wide range of public-domain works but transformed them into a highly entertaining, cleverly cohesive performance that celebrated theatrical history and youthful creativity all at once. 
Hailey Gillis to Re-Team With Brendan Healy For A DOLL'S HOUSE at ​​​​​​​Canadian Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 28, 2025

Canadian Stage will ring in the new year with Artistic Director Brendan Healy's bold, razor-sharp reinvention of one of theatre's most explosive classics; A Doll's House.
Review: NORA (A DOLL'S HOUSE) at Trinity Street Players
by Sabrina Wallace - Nov 24, 2025

In a near-future world where freedoms are slipping away, this bold reimagining of A Doll's House redefines Nora’s iconic exit as an act of defiance. A powerful call to arms for autonomy, queer love, and personal freedom. We, too, are larks, and we will break free.
How Common Are Foreign Language Plays on Broadway? A Look at Translation Trends
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 23, 2025

While the large majority of plays that make it to Broadway were written in English, a small fraction of plays were originally penned in a different language and translated. 
Construction More Than 75% Complete on TimeLine Theatre New Home
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2025

TimeLine Theatre Company has confirmed that construction of its new home is more than 75% complete, with sights set on substantial completion of the building in February.
Interview: Theatre Life with Maaike Laanstra-Corn
by Elliot Lanes - Nov 12, 2025

Today’s subject Maaike Laanstra-Corn is currently living her theatre life onstage playing the role of Hedvig in the rarely produced Henrik Ibesn play The Wild Duck at Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC). The show continues performances through November 16th at STC’s Klein Theatre.
Review: AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE at Theater J
by Itai Yasur - Nov 11, 2025

Ibsen's classic; readapted and reimagined. See what our critic had to say.
THE WILD DUCK & More Lead Washington, DC's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Oct 30, 2025

Washington, DC is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include The Wild Duck and more.
Tony Winner Daniel Radcliffe Will Star in EVERY BRILLIANT THING on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 29, 2025

Daniel Radcliffe is heading back to Broadway in 2026. The Tony winner will star in the Broadway transfer of Duncan Macmillan's Every Brilliant Thing, directed by Jeremy Herrin and Macmillan. Performances will begin on February 21 at the Hudson Theatre, with an opening set for March 12.
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 28, 2025

As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 27, 2025- LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD First Look and More
by - Oct 27, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 27, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Theater-Adjacent Movies for Broadway Fans in 2025
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 25, 2025

Over the next few months, theatre is heading to Hollywood. To celebrate the release of movies like Blue Moon, Hedda, and more, BroadwayWorld has put together a guide to five new titles that are sure to appeal to Broadway fans. 
Review: THE WILD DUCK at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by Roger Catlin - Oct 24, 2025

The attention to detail in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s terrific production of “The Wild Duck” extends to preshow atmospherics, with a distinct chill  not attributable to the cooling autumn temperatures outside.
Review Roundup: Nia DaCosta's HEDDA Now Playing in Select Theaters
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 24, 2025

Hedda, Nia DaCosta's new film adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, is now playing in select theaters. Starring Tessa Thompson as the title character, the movie is a reworking of the acclaimed 1891 stage play, now set in the 1950s. Find out what critics say about the movie!
Photos: Kenny Leon, Lencia Kebede, & More Attend HEDDA Tastemaker Event
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025

On Monday, October 20, director Kenny Leon hosted a special Broadway Tastemaker event celebrating Nia DaCosta's new film reimagining of Hedda Gabler, with several Broadway stars in attendance. Check out photos from the event here!
The Gothams to Honor Tessa Thompson with 'The Spotlight Tribute' Award for HEDDA
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025

For her performance in Amazon MGM Studios’ Hedda, Tessa Thompson will receive the Spotlight Tribute at the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards Ceremony, taking place on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Pocket Ghost Productions to Present Site-Specific HEDDA GABLER This November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 21, 2025

Pocket Ghost Productions will stage a site-specific version of HEDDA GABLER at Brooklyn’s Urbane Arts Club from November 7–9, 2025. Directed by and starring company founder Shelby Gilberto.
BWW Q&A: Nick Westrate of THE WILD DUCK at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Oct 16, 2025

Shakespeare Theatre Company will present Henrik Ibsen’s “The Wild Duck,” adapted by David Eldridge and directed by STC Artistic Director Simon Godwin, in association with Theatre for a New Audience. The production runs at STC’s Klein Theatre in Washington, D.C., from October 18 through November 16. 
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 14, 2025- Broadway Musicians Vote to Authorize Strike and More
by - Oct 14, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 14, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

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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