The modern sound
of Peer Gynt

Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt was released in 1867, but was first seen on stage nine years later, at Christiania Theater. Since then, there has been many different versions of the play, in all major parts of the world. Peer Gynt is still one of the most famous plays in the world.

A well-known version of Peer Gynt is the annual outdoor production at Gålåvatnet in Gudbrandsdalen.

At the Ibsen Museum in Oslo you can learn more about the playwright’s life and work.

In honour of the 150th anniversary of Peer Gynt, the Norwegian national broadcaster (NRK) produced a documentary about the theatre production at Gålå (in Norwegian only).

Full name: Henrik Johan Ibsen.

Norwegian playwright, theatre director and poet, and considered the father of modern realistic drama.

Born in Skien in Telemark 20 March 1828, died in Kristiania (now Oslo) 23 May 1906.

Made his debut as a writer with “Catalina” in 1850.

Worked at theatres in Bergen and Kristiania from 1852 to 1862.

Married Suzanne Daae Thoresen in 1858 and had a son, Sigurd, one year later.

Moved abroad in 1864 and lived in Italy and Germany for 27 years.

Got his breakthrough with “Brand” and “Peer Gynt” in 1866 and 1867.

Other main works include “An Enemy of the People”, “A Doll’s house”, “Hedda Gabler”, “Ghosts”, “The Wild Duck”, “When We Dead Awaken”, and “The Master Builder”.

Read more about Henrik Ibsen