Henrik Ibsen: Who is he? What plays has he written? Especially be prepared to share information on the play Hedda Gabler. What was 19 th century Norwegian theatre like? Emily, Hamza & Joe

Henry Ibsen -Born on 20 March, 1828 at Skien -19 th century Norwegian poet, director, being referred as the “ Father of realism” -Born in Skien, to Knud Ibsen and Marichen Altenburg, which is a family of merchants. -Family life was affected by the financial difficulties of his father and they moved from a huge apartment in central Skien to a smaller house in Venstop. -At the age of fifteen, Ibsen was forced to leave school and moved to the small town where he became a pharmacist and started writing plays. -Many of his dramas offer a critical eye and inquiry into the conditions of life and morality.

What was 19 th century Norwegian theatre like? There are two types of characteristics of norwegian theatre. Realism and Naturalism. Norway did not have a distinct or historical tradition since it was culturally dependent on Denmark. Setting: - sets were not solidly constructed to look realistic but had a painted backcloth with side-wings and overhead borders. When there is a change of scene, the wings that were mounted on wheels were pushed/pulled, which would make the backcloth roll up and another would take its place for a new setting. -Stage was lit by chandeliers and lamps. Lighting was through candles/petroleum lamps therefore the sets and stage were affected by the smoke, wax and oil-stains. -the furniture that were used were usually; doors, windows, mirrors and utensils, which was usually painted on the backcloth. Language: -Dialogue were in prose. RealismNaturalism Accurately describes life, human behaviour and surroundings Uses prose rather than poetry in dialogue It is rarely sentimental or emotionalFollows social darwinism Focuses on middle/lower class