Showing results by author "Henrik Ibsen" in All Categories

Hedda Gabler is one of the most interesting and intricate figures to appear on stage. Her boredom with her mariage and jealousy of her former lover set off a chain of events that result in an untimely death. Oh, but the deceased did "die beautifully"!

Ghosts is a play by the legendary Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Written in 1881, the play is a scathing commentary on 19th-century morality. Its controversial subject matter includes frank discussions of incest, euthanasia, criticism of religion, and venereal disease, a basket of deplorable themes that scandalized Victorian society. Ghosts is the story of Helen Alving, a widow who is haunted by the many mistresses of her deceased husband and by her troubled son. The theme is a refutation of the idea that one ought to sacrifice one’s dreams on the altar of duty.

A Doll's House deals with the life of a married woman who lacked opportunities for self-fulfillment in a male-dominated society. It caused a stir at the time, arousing sensation and controversy that went far beyond the world of theater.

Rosmersholm is a play surrounding the deep and intense political and cultural change in Norway in the middle of the 1880s, a period during which the traditional ruling class were forced to relinquish their right to impose their ideals on the rest of society. We follow Johannes Rosmer, a pastor who has resigned from his position; Rebecca West, a woman who sees Rosmer's potential and believes she can help him to realize his dream of creating a world of "happy, noble people"; and Headmaster Kroll, Rosmer's former best friend.

Nora, a banker's pampered and petted wife, forges a signature to obtain money for her ailing husband. The play's theme, touting a woman's independence, shocked audiences at the time of its premiere.

Discover the revolutionary drama of Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House." This powerful play challenges societal norms and explores themes of gender roles, independence, and self-discovery, making it as relevant today as it was when first written.

The Wild Duck by Henrik Ibsen is a play about family secrets and self-deception. It centers around the Ekdal family, particularly Hjalmar Ekdal, who lives a modest life with his wife Gina and daughter Hedvig. Hjalmar's old friend, Gregers Werle, visits and stirs up trouble by revealing the hidden truths about Gina’s past and Hedvig's paternity. Gregers believes honesty will lead to healing, but his interference only causes suffering. Hedvig, in a tragic attempt to prove her love for her father, sacrifices herself.The play explores themes of illusion, the destructive pursuit of truth, and the...

A Doll's House, written two years after The Pillars of Society, was the first of Ibsen's plays to create a sensation and is now perhaps his most famous play, and required reading in many secondary schools and universities. The play was highly controversial when first published, as it is sharply critical of 19th Century marriage norms. It follows the formula of well-made play up until the final act, when it breaks convention by ending with a discussion, not an unravelling. It is often called the first true feminist play, although Ibsen denied this. From WikipediaCharacters:Narrator – Read by...

Henrik Ibsen, the renowned Norwegian playwright, is celebrated for his influential contributions to modern theater. Born in 1828, Ibsen's early life was marked by financial struggles and personal hardships. However, his unwavering determination and artistic talent propelled him to become one of the most prominent figures in the world of drama. Ibsen's works, including "A Doll's House," "Hedda Gabler," and "Ghosts," challenged societal conventions, delving into themes of individuality, morality, and the consequences of societal expectations.

A Doll's House, written two years after The Pillars of Society, was the first of Ibsen's plays to create a sensation and is now perhaps his most famous play, and required reading in many secondary schools and universities. The play was highly controversial when first published, as it is sharply critical of 19th Century marriage norms. It follows the formula of well-made play up until the final act, when it breaks convention by ending with a discussion, not an unravelling. It is often called the first true feminist play, although Ibsen denied this.View our full collection of podcasts at our ...

Hedda Gabler is a classic play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Set in the late nineteenth century, the play follows the life of Hedda, a young socialite whose life is filled with endless boredom and longing. As she struggles to find her place in society, Hedda’s inner turmoil is reflected in her desperate attempts to break free of the societal norms that bind her. This emotional journey is filled with suspense and drama, as Hedda’s choices have the power to shape her own destiny.