ibsen links
Ibsen AwardsIbsen in the US Ibsen Society Ibsen Midwest Ibsen.netSons of Norway American Scandinavian Foundation
A Commitment to Ibsen
“The Commonweal’s Ibsen expertise is one of the region’s best kept secrets.”
Michael Bigelow Dixon
Literary Manager, Guthrie Theater, 2004
The Commonweal is the only theatre in North America with an annual commitment to producing the works of Henrik Ibsen, the Father of Modern Drama. Since 1998, the company has opened each season with a work from his canon and we celebrate this tradition with the Ibsen Festival – a weekend of more than 30 events featuring Scandinavian theatre, art, music and dance. Every other year, we tour our Ibsen production throughout the region. We host an annual Ibsen Elderhostel and offer programs on Ibsen’s legacy perfect for heritage organizations, churches and classes.
13th Annual Ibsen Festival
April 16-18, 2010
Don't miss the 13th Annual Ibsen Festival, featuring a world premiere adaptation of the rarely-produced John Gabriel Borkman. Examining the consequences of greed, lust and a hunger for power this play earned Ibsen the title “the Freud of the theater.” As always, the festival will include lectures, fine art, music, post show discussions and many other events to put this deeply personal work into context. Click here for a printable schedule of events.
Hal Cropp Nominated for
International Ibsen Award
Established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2007, the International Ibsen Award honors an individual, organization or institution for exceptional achievements defined within the spirit of Ibsen’s work. The International Ibsen Award amounts to NOK 2.5 million (approx. $350,000). Seminal theatre director Peter Brook was the recipient of the 2008 International Ibsen Award.
Commonweal Awarded
International Ibsen Scholarship
The Commonweal Theatre Company is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded one of four International Ibsen Scholarships for our commitment to the works of Henrik Ibsen. Artistic Director Hal Cropp and Ibsen Festival Coordinator Adrienne Sweeney traveled to Norway as guests of the Norwegian government to receive the award and participate in the bi-ennial Ibsen Festival and Conference.
• To read more about the award, click here.
• To read more about the trip, click here
Ibsen Tour
Spring 2011
Every other year we tour our Ibsen production throughout the upper midwest. This year we visited nine cities and towns in 12 days to perform Hedda Gabler for more than 1700 people. We are currently booking tour dates for our 2011 production of An Enemy of the People. If you are interested in bringing Ibsen to your town contact Stef Dickens at (507) 467-2905 x214.
Ibsen Exploritas
In cooperation with Winona State University, we offer an annual Ibsen Exploritas —a week-long immersion into the man and his art. Click here for more information on this and all Exploritas programs.
Ibsen Presentations
Perfect for heritage organizations, classes and church groups, the Commonweal offers programs and discussions on Ibsen's legacy tailored to the needs and interests of your group. For more information contact Ibsen Festival Assistant Irene ErkenBrack at (507) 467-2905 x206.
