Ibsen in Practice Relational Readings of Performance, Cultural Encounters and Power

by Helland, Frode; Brater, Enoch; Taylor-Batty, Mark

• ISBN13: 9781408184974
• ISBN10: 1408184974
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2015-05-21
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama

Summary

The volume reveals an astonishing richness in the theatrical approaches to Ibsen across the world: it considers political theatre, institutional 'high art', theatre for development, queer and transgender theatre, Brechtian techniques, puppetry, post-dramatic theatre, rural village performance and avant-garde touring companies. Investigating varied renegotiations of his drama, including the work of Thomas Ostermeier in Germany and other parts of the world, versions of A Doll's House from Chile and China, The Wild Duck in Iran and productions of Peer Gynt in Zimbabwe and Egypt, Frode Helland provides a deeper understanding of a cross-cultural Ibsen. The volume gives an in-depth analysis of the practice of Ibsen in relation to political, social, ideological and economic forces within and outside of the performances themselves, and demonstrates the incredible diversity of his work in local situations.

Author Biography

Frode Helland is Director of the Centre of Ibsen Studies, and professor of literature at the University of Oslo. He is in charge of the international research projects 'Ibsen between Cultures' and 'Ibsen in Use'. He has published widely on Henrik Ibsen, Scandinavian literature, and the global performance of Ibsen.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Culture and Empire: Peer Gynt in Africa
2. Ibsen Under the Radar: Censorship and Artistic Expression
3. Three Chinese Dolls
4. In and Out of Place - Three Indian Master Builders
5. A Different Kind of Provincialism - Two European Wunder-Kids: Ostermeier and Stubø
6. Conclusion
Index