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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.

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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


Pittsburgh Public Theater To Present AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE In February
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 6, 2026

Pittsburgh Public Theater kicks off 2026 with the Pittsburgh premiere of the recent Broadway adaptation of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, taking the stage at the O'Reilly Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh February 4-22, 2026.
Full Cast Set for Katie Holmes-Led HEDDA GABLER at The Old Globe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2026

The Old Globe has revealed the full cast and creative team for Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes leads the cast in the title role.
PRET Comes to Three Arts Club, Based on Henrik Ibsen's GHOSTS
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025

Three Arts Club (TAC) presented Pret, directed by M.K. Raina, based on Henrik Ibsen's  play Ghosts, with Hindi translation by scholar and playwright Nemi Chandra Jain.
Chloé Zhao and Nia DaCosta to Receive Honors at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 18, 2025

Hamnet writer/director Chloé Zhao will be honored with the annual Trailblazer Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, with Nia DaCosta and Geeta Gandbhir receiving Vanguard Awards.
New Staging of Ibsen's AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE is Coming to the American Theatre of Actors
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 17, 2025

Duse Productions will present a new staging of Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People, launching as an Equity Showcase at the American Theatre of Actors.
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Returns in January
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2025

The 8th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is fast approaching, so get set for 12 straight days of incredible stories told by puppet artists and companies from around the world playing all over Chicago.
HEDDA GABLER Comes to the Den Norske Opera
by Stephi Wild - Dec 10, 2025

Marit Moum Aune's Ibsen ballets have been praised by critics both in Norway and abroad. You can now experience Hedda Gabler once more, this time retold through dance, with music by Nils Petter Molvær. 
Photos: Marianna Gailus and More Star in HEDDA GABLER at Yale Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 3, 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.
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 10, 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.

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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