[PDF] 25 Powerful Ibsen Plays

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Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) is considered the father of modern realism in the theatre, though he wrote in a number of dramatic genres. Ibsen’s twenty-five plays include some of the theatre’s greatest works (A Doll’s House, Hedda Gabler). The break from society’s moral standards evident in A Doll’s House shocked the audience at its 1879 premiere. To get the play produced in Germany the following year, Ibsen was forced to rewrite the ending where it was implied Nora and her three children did not leave. Today, this alternate ending can only be found in the footnotes of the modern edition. Ibsen’s careful use of psychological realism with internal characterisation and motivation has influenced playwriting to this day. – Justin Cash


Henrik Ibsen Plays PDF


Henrik Ibsen Biographies

Henrik Ibsen Plays
Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906)

Detailed biographical essay from the Ibsen Society of America on most of Henrik Ibsen’s plays.

A useful overview of the stages in his career and various writing styles evident in Henrik Ibsen plays.

Wikipedia entry on Henrik Ibsen and his life, influences, and writing career.

Biography of Henrik Ibsen from Encyclopedia Britannica.


Psychological Realism

Resources from The Drama Teacher on the conventions of realism and naturalism in the theatre.

Royal Theatre, Copenhagen

Royal Theatre Copenhagen Denmark
Royal Theatre, Copenhagen, c.1890, where A Doll’s House premiered on 21 December 1879.

Resources elsewhere on Theatre Links from around the web on realistic and naturalistic theatre.


Analysis of Ibsen’s Works

Useful collection of historical press reviews from the premiere of A Doll’s House in Denmark, 1879.

Analysis of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House

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