In the history of modern theatre, Ibsen is one of the dominating figures. The sixteen chapters of this 1994 Companion explore his life and work, providing an invaluable reference work for students. In chronological terms they range from an account of Ibsen's earliest pieces, through the years of rich experimentation, to the mature 'Ibsenist' plays that made him famous towards the end of the nineteenth century. Among the thematic topics are discussions of Ibsen's comedy, realism, lyric poetry and feminism. Substantial chapters account for Ibsen's influence on the international stage and his challenge to theatre and film directors and playwrights today. Essential reference materials include a full chronology, list of works and essays on twentieth-century criticism and further reading.
Chronology; Works; 1. Ibsen's dramatic apprenticeship Asbjørn Aarseth; 2. Ibsen and historical drama Bjørn Hemmer; 3. Dramatic and non-dramatic poetry John Northam; 4. Ibsen and comedy Robin Young; 5. Ibsen and the realistic problem play Bjørn Hemmer; 6. Ibsen and feminism Gail Finney; 7. The middle plays Janet Garton; 8. The last plays Inga-Stina Ewbank; 9. Ibsen's working methods James McFarlane; 10. Ibsen and the theatre 1877-1900 Simon Williams; 11. Ibsen and the twentieth-century stage Frederick J. Marker and Lise-Lone Marker; 12. Ibsen on film and television Egil Törnqvist; 13. On staging Ibsen John Barton; 14. Ibsen and the drama of today Arthur Miller; 15. A century of Ibsen criticism Errol Durbach; 16. Works of reference Sandra Saari.