Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read. This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter. - Reading time of the complete text: about 3 hours - Reading time of the summarized text: 3 minutes "An Enemy of the People" is a play written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1882. The play follows Dr. Thomas Stockmann, the medical officer of a recently opened spa in a small town, who exposes the truth that the spa water is contaminated with bacteria. The play explores themes such as environmental issues, professional responsibilities, and the moral dilemmas involved in whistle-blowing. The play was adapted by Arthur Miller in the 1950s and has been adapted for film and television several times. The play has also been adapted for modern audiences, including a 2021 adaptation by the National Theatre of Scotland. The play has been censored in mainland China due to its themes.

Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read. This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter. - Reading time of the complete text: about 2 hours - Reading time of the summarized text: 2 minutes "Ghosts" is a play written by Henrik Ibsen in 1881. It explores controversial topics such as religion, venereal disease, incest, and euthanasia, making it highly controversial at the time. The play revolves around Mrs. Helen Alving, a widow, who discovers that her son Oswald has inherited syphilis from his father. She also learns that Oswald is in love with Regina Engstrand, who is actually his half-sister. The play delves into the consequences of not breaking societal moral codes. "Ghosts" received negative criticism initially but is now considered an important and influential play. It has been performed worldwide and adapted for film and television multiple times. The play's frank treatment of taboo subjects shocked audiences and was met with strong criticism. However, it has since gained recognition for its bold exploration of societal norms and moral codes.

Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read. This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter. - Reading time of the complete text: about 2 hours - Reading time of the summarized text: 3 minutes "The Lady from the Sea" is a play written by Henrik Ibsen in 1888, inspired by the ballad Agnete og Havmanden. The play revolves around Ellida Wangel, a woman who is married to a physician in a small fjord town in northern Norway. Ellida is restless and troubled by a former romantic attachment, and her husband invites Arnholm, Bolette's former tutor and a former suitor to Ellida, to help her. Ellida was deeply in love and engaged to a sailor, but he had to escape after murdering his captain. The sailor returns years later to claim her, and Ellida has to choose between her former lover or her husband. The play ends with the sailor leaving and Ellida and her husband deciding to take up their lives again together. The play has been performed in various theaters around the world, and there have been several adaptations, including a ballet, an opera, and a radio adaptation.

"A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking masterpiece that challenges societal norms and explores the complex dynamics of marriage and identity. Set in 19th-century Norway, the play revolves around Nora Helmer, a seemingly content wife and mother, and her husband Torvald. As the plot unfolds, the audience is drawn into a web of secrets, lies, and personal revelations. Nora's journey from a docile, doll-like existence to a woman determined to assert her independence is at the heart of the play. Ibsen's writing skillfully delves into themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the quest for self-discovery. The play's impact on theater and literature is profound, as it marks a pivotal moment in the emergence of modern drama. Ibsen's exploration of the inner lives of his characters and his critique of the traditional roles assigned to women continue to resonate with audiences today. "A Doll's House" is a gripping and emotionally charged work that invites reflection on issues of autonomy, identity, and the consequences of societal pressures. It challenges the audience to question the roles they play in their own lives and the authenticity of their relationships. Step into the world of "A Doll's House" and witness the power of Henrik Ibsen's storytelling as it continues to provoke thought and discussion on the timeless themes of freedom and individuality. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright and one of the most significant figures in modern drama. Born in Skien, Norway, Ibsen's works, including "A Doll's House," "Hedda Gabler," and "Peer Gynt," have had a profound impact on the theater and literature. Ibsen's writing is characterized by its realistic portrayal of human psychology and societal issues. He explored themes such as women's rights, social hypocrisy, and the consequences of personal choices, challenging the conventions of his time. His plays often sparked controversy and debate but also contributed to significant social and cultural changes. Ibsen's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime, as his innovative approach to drama and storytelling laid the foundation for modern theater. His works continue to be performed worldwide, and he remains a celebrated playwright whose influence on literature and drama endures.

In Henrik Ibsen's play "Little Eyolf" we meet Alfred Allmer and his wife Rita, whose marriage and relationship has been strained ever since their son, Eyolf, fell from a table as an infant and became lame. Alfred has been burying himself in work, writing his philosophical thesis on 'human responsibility'. Meanwhile, Rita still feels a lot of desire towards Alfred and is jealous of everyone who comes near him. But when little Eyolf is lured away by the Rat-Wife and drowns in a lake, the couple must learn how to be husband and wife all over again.

Master Builder Halvard Solness is an ageing architect who has not achieved what he wanted, neither in art nor in love. He fears and bullies his juniors, and thinks he is going mad. His wife and mistress try to care for him as best they can, without themselves getting hurt in return. The situation is further fraught by the arrival of young and seductive Hilda Wangel, who also plays a part in Ibsen's previous drama "The Lady from the Sea."

Nora, épouse modèle dans la Norvège bourgeoise du XIXe siècle, découvre que sa vie n’est qu’une illusion. Quand un secret menace de tout détruire, elle ose enfin briser les chaînes de son mariage et de la société.

Nora, femme en apparence soumise, brise les chaînes du mariage bourgeois. Une pièce culte sur l’émancipation féminine.

En Norvège, dans 'une maison confortable et de bon goût', une famille se prépare à fêter Noël. Mais le douillet et rassurant cocon se fissure quand le secret de Nora, la jeune et joyeuse épouse, menace soudain d'être dévoilé à son mari. Dès lors, toute allégresse recule, et les enfants aux joues rouges s'effacent devant des personnages qui surgissent tour à tour amie de jeunesse, médecin, créancier , semant le doute et l'inquiétude. En ébranlant ainsi la certitude lisse de son héroïne qui pensait avoir toujours agi comme elle le devait, Ibsen crée l'une des grandes figures du théâtre nordique, dont on continue d'interroger la volte-face et la destinée.

En Norvège, dans 'une maison confortable et de bon goût', une famille se prépare à fêter Noël. Mais le douillet et rassurant cocon se fissure quand le secret de Nora, la jeune et joyeuse épouse, menace soudain d'être dévoilé à son mari. Dès lors, toute allégresse recule, et les enfants aux joues rouges s'effacent devant des personnages qui surgissent tour à tour amie de jeunesse, médecin, créancier , semant le doute et l'inquiétude. En ébranlant ainsi la certitude lisse de son héroïne qui pensait avoir toujours agi comme elle le devait, Ibsen crée l'une des grandes figures du théâtre nordique, dont on continue d'interroger la volte-face et la destinée.

Dans ce chef-d'oeuvre intemporel, Henrik Ibsen raconte l'errance de Peer Gynt, rêveur en quête de gloire fuyant responsabilités et amours sincères. Entre fantastique et réalité, la pièce explore liberté, quête de soi et illusions. Olivier Py en offre une adaptation contemporaine et initiatique. Une trentaine de personnages / 3 h

Une maison de poupée met en scène la révolte d'une femme qui prend soudain conscience d'avoir été toute sa vie soumise aux hommes de son entourage. Avec cette pièce créée en 1879, Henrik Ibsen fit un coup d'éclat : d'emblée, elle provoqua âpres discussions et éreintements, éloges dithyrambiques et exaltations en tous genres ; aujourd'hui encore, de toutes les oeuvres du dramaturge, c'est celle qui est la plus traduite et la plus jouée.Critique acerbe des rapports de domination au coeur du mariage bourgeois, anticipant les questions du féminisme moderne, Une maison de poupée est aussi une splendide méditation sur le droit de chacun à choisir librement son destin. Dossier 1. Une pièce féministe ? 2. Dépendance, soumission et servitude 3. Une difficile libération 4. Une pièce ouverte 5. À propos des mises en scène.

Une maison de poupée met en scène la révolte d'une femme qui prend soudain conscience d'avoir été toute sa vie soumise aux hommes de son entourage. Avec cette pièce créée en 1879, Henrik Ibsen fit un coup d'éclat : d'emblée, elle provoqua âpres discussions et éreintements, éloges dithyrambiques et exaltations en tous genres ; aujourd'hui encore, de toutes les oeuvres du dramaturge, c'est celle qui est la plus traduite et la plus jouée.Critique acerbe des rapports de domination au coeur du mariage bourgeois, anticipant les questions du féminisme moderne, Une maison de poupée est aussi une splendide méditation sur le droit de chacun à choisir librement son destin. Dossier 1. Une pièce féministe ? 2. Dépendance, soumission et servitude 3. Une difficile libération 4. Une pièce ouverte 5. À propos des mises en scène.

Hedda Gabler est une des cinq dernières pièces d'Ibsen. Écrite à Munich en 1890, peu de temps avant le retour définitif de l'auteur en Norvège, elle fut aussitôt traduite et publiée en plusieurs langues et montée, d'abord à Munich au début de 1891, puis à Londres et à Paris à la fin de l'année. Ibsen y a rompu avec les aspects symboliques ou mystiques de pièces comme Rosmersholm : "J'ai essayé de décrire des êtres humains aussi exactement que possible, de façon aussi détaillée que possible, rien d'autre [...] ; on trouvera peut-être quelque chose de révolutionnaire dans ce drame mais c'est une chose qui demeure à l'arrière-plan." La pièce a séduit bien des metteurs en scène ; il suffit de citer ici Lugné-Poe, Georges Pitoëff et Raymond Rouleau. Altier et énigmatique, le personnage de Hedda a aussi tenté bon nombre de comédiennes, comme Marguerite Jamois, Ingrid Bergman et Delphine Seyrig (à la télévision) ; il reste un des grands rôles et une des grandes et sombres destinées du théâtre d'Ibsen.

Hedda Gabler est une des cinq dernières pièces d'Ibsen. Écrite à Munich en 1890, peu de temps avant le retour définitif de l'auteur en Norvège, elle fut aussitôt traduite et publiée en plusieurs langues et montée, d'abord à Munich au début de 1891, puis à Londres et à Paris à la fin de l'année. Ibsen y a rompu avec les aspects symboliques ou mystiques de pièces comme Rosmersholm : "J'ai essayé de décrire des êtres humains aussi exactement que possible, de façon aussi détaillée que possible, rien d'autre [...] ; on trouvera peut-être quelque chose de révolutionnaire dans ce drame mais c'est une chose qui demeure à l'arrière-plan." La pièce a séduit bien des metteurs en scène ; il suffit de citer ici Lugné-Poe, Georges Pitoëff et Raymond Rouleau. Altier et énigmatique, le personnage de Hedda a aussi tenté bon nombre de comédiennes, comme Marguerite Jamois, Ingrid Bergman et Delphine Seyrig (à la télévision) ; il reste un des grands rôles et une des grandes et sombres destinées du théâtre d'Ibsen.

Dans une société polie ou? règnent l'ordre et la morale religieuse, les secrets d'une famille, en apparence bien sous tous rapports, e?clatent et re?ve?lent la cause des non-dits et des absences. 3 hommes, 2 femmes / 1 h 30

Dans une mise en scène de Jean-François Sivadier : du 7 au 15 mars à la MC2 Grenoble, du 10 mai au 15 juin au théâtre de l'Odéon (Paris). Les frères Tomas et Peter Stockmann se ressemblent comme le jour à la nuit. Ensemble, ils ont pourtant fondé l'"établissement des bains" d'une petite ville portuaire du sud de la Norvège. Tomas, médecin intègre, mesure la qualité des eaux. En tant que maire, Peter compte sur la prospérité de la station thermale pour asseoir son pouvoir. Quand les eaux s'avèrent contaminées par la tannerie locale, les masques tombent. Le médecin croit devoir la vérité au peuple quand le politicien ne songe qu'à défendre ses intérêts. Le socle d'une pure tragédie ? Henrik Ibsen maintient sa fable sur une crête plus ambigüe. Autour de la fratrie déchirée, les citoyens papillonnent, hésitent et bifurquent jusqu'à la bouffonnerie. Quant à nous, c'est entre la consternation et le rire franc que nous balançons.

Gregers Werle, homme idéaliste, revient dans sa ville natale après un long exil, et se trouve mêlé aux affaires d'une étrange famille, causant des résultats désastreux. Les secrets qui se cachent derrière la façade du foyer apparemment heureux des Ekdal se dévoilent peu à peu à lui...

Après l'incendie de sa maison et la mort de ses enfants, le constructeur Solness va-t-il être capable de revivre grâce à la jeunesse qui frappe à sa porte, comme un rêve? ... 4 hommes, 3 femmes / durée : 3 h

Une nouvelle traduction qui met en valeur l'écriture d'Ibsen dans sa plus célèbre pièce, où Nora, femme mariée, se retrouve acculée à quitter son mari et son foyer. Fuite ou acte enfin libératoire ? Personnages : 4 femmes, 4 hommes et 3 enfants (rôles muets) / durée : 1 h 45.

Discover the groundbreaking drama that challenged societal norms with Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House." This compelling play explores themes of gender roles, individual freedom, and societal expectations through the story of Nora Helmer, a woman who questions her life and marriage to seek independence and self-discovery. Set in a Norwegian town, the narrative unfolds as Nora's secret financial deception comes to light, forcing her to confront the constraints imposed by her marriage and society. Ibsen masterfully portrays the struggles of a woman breaking free from her "doll-like" existence, prompting audiences to reflect on the nature of personal identity and societal roles. "A Doll's House" remains a powerful critique of 19th-century social conventions and continues to resonate today as a call for authenticity and self-empowerment. The play's innovative structure and candid dialogue have cemented its place as a cornerstone of modern drama, inspiring countless adaptations and discussions about gender equality and individual rights. Whether you're a lover of classic literature or interested in social reform, this work offers profound insights into human relationships and societal expectations, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of social consciousness.Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright and poet, often referred to as the father of modern drama. Renowned for his pioneering approach to realistic theatre, Ibsen's works delve into complex psychological and social issues, challenging audiences to reconsider moral values and societal norms. His influential plays, including "A Doll's House," "Hedda Gabler," and "Ghosts," have left an indelible mark on theatrical history, earning him recognition as one of the most significant playwrights of his time.

A Doll's House (Norwegian: Et dukkehjem; also translated as A Doll House) is a three-act play in prose by Henrik Ibsen. It premiered at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 21 December 1879, having been published earlier that month. The play is significant for its critical attitude toward 19th century marriage norms. It aroused great controversy at the time, as it concludes with the protagonist, Nora, leaving her husband and children because she wants to discover herself. Ibsen was inspired by the belief that "a woman cannot be herself in modern society," since it is "an exclusively male society, with laws made by men and with prosecutors and judges who assess feminine conduct from a masculine standpoint." Its ideas can also be seen as having a wider application: Michael Meyer argued that the play's theme is not women's rights, but rather "the need of every individual to find out the kind of person he or she really is and to strive to become that person." In a speech given to the Norwegian Association for Women's Rights in 1898, Ibsen insisted that he "must disclaim the honor of having consciously worked for the women's rights movement," since he wrote "without any conscious thought of making propaganda," his task having been "the description of humanity."

It is a play with a gentle, evocative name. But 'A Doll's House' is a story with a kick that continues to be felt today. Henrik Ibsen's play tells the story of Nora, who feels hemmed in by a male-dominated society and its expectations. When she illegally takes out a loan to pay for Christmas presents, she is blackmailed by one of her husband's colleagues. She is desperate for Torvald not to find out, so finds herself in the power of the sinister and dishonest colleague. When the truth gets out, Torvald confronts Nora, insults her and says she is "unfit to raise our children". He swiftly takes back his words, but it is too late. Nora has decided to do something truly shocking... Fans of Bertolt Brecht and August Strindberg will love this play, which challenges our acceptance of cultural and societal norms. Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian-Danish playwright and theatre director. He was one of the founders of modernism in theatre and is regarded as "the father of realism". He influenced many giants of the playwright world, including George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, and George Bernard Shaw. His work has endured: only William Shakespeare's plays are performed more often than Ibsen's. His best-known works include 'Peer Gynt', 'A Doll's House', 'An Enemy of the People', and 'The Wild Duck'. Ibsen was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1902, 1903, and 1904.

Hedda Gabler is a play first published in 1890 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. In it, Hedda Gabler, daughter of an aristocratic General, has just returned from her honeymoon with George Tesman, an aspiring young academic, reliable but not brilliant, who has combined research with their honeymoon. The reappearance of Tesman's academic rival, Eilert Lovborg, throws their lives into disarray.

Published in 1879, this play was a bombshell, exposing the tragic hypocrisy of Victorian like middle class marriage. The play is significant for the way it deals with the fate of a married woman, who at the time in Norway lacked reasonable opportunities for self-fulfillment in a male-dominated world. - A wife was almost literally a bird in a cage for display by the husband. Note that this is a solo reading of the entire play by one person. We have an excellent dramatic reading of this play in our catalog also if a more traditional performance is more to your taste.

Henrik Ibsen's 1890 play "Hedda Gabler" is a study of a woman who wants to climb the social ladder. Where another of Ibsen's great female character, Nora from "A Doll's House", had her eyes brutally opened ten years earlier to the hypocrisy of the bourgeoisie and brakes away from her husband and children as a result, Hedda Gabler goes in the opposite direction. She moves into this world knowingly, eyes wide open and free from delusions, with no expectations that a bourgeois lifestyle could make her happy. A choice that will have tragic consequences. The Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) is one of the founders of Modernism in theatre, creating a genre that puts human psychology at the center of the plot, and stories that revolve around a past that is impossible to escape. Ibsen is the second most performed playwright, right after Shakespeare, and is world famous for plays such as "A Doll's House," "Peer Gynt" and "Hedda Gabler." He wrote over a twenty plays, which have gone on to be performed on scenes across the globe.

Please note: This audiobook has been created using AI voice. In 1870s Norway, Nora Helmer struggles to be her own person within her marriage and a society that limits the opportunities of women. When decisions made to protect her husband come back to haunt her, Nora must fight for her family and for her own place in the world. Since its first theatrical run, in which every performance was sold out, A Doll's House has inspired admiration, controversy, and discussion. First published by Ibsen in 1879 in Danish, the official language of Danishruled Norway, A Doll's House sold out its first two printings within months. It first premiered at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen within a month of publication, and the play was performed in Germany in 1880 and London in 1884. Initial translations changed the play, particularly the ending, to be more sympathetic and acceptable. Ibsen considered these changes to be a "barbaric outrage." It wouldn't be until 1889 that the play was performed as written in London and Broadway. Ibsen's work pioneered realistic depictions of middle class families and social themes. He claimed that he didn't have feminist intentions in the writing of A Doll's House, instead aiming for "the description of humanity," but the play is widely considered an essential feminist work and has had a real lasting impact: as recently as 2006, it was the most performed play in the world. READ FREE

Please note: This audiobook has been created using AI voice. Written in 1881, when melodrama and farce were still at their peak of popularity, Ibsen's Ghosts is a threeact tragedy that explores uncomfortable, even forbidden themes. It is also a highly critical commentary on the morality of the day. The play centers around the widow of a prominent Norwegian sea captain whose son returns home and, with tragic consequences, revives the ghosts of the past that she has long labored to put to rest. Ghosts immediately became a source of controversy for its inclusion of topics like venereal disease, incest, and euthanasia, and it was banned from being performed in England for many years. Its arrival signals a shift in the nature of theatre and, despite negative criticism, it was translated into other languages and performed in Sweden, Germany, and New York within a few years of its debut. It stands now as one of the works considered to have ushered in the era of modern drama.

Please note: This audiobook has been created using AI voice. Hedda, the proud and willful daughter of General Gabler, newly married to George Tesman, returns from her honeymoon to Norway. She chafes at the prospect of a dull life in a loveless marriage until a former lover, Eilert Løvborg, returns and throws their financial future into disarray. The appearance of Hedda's old schoolmate Thea, who wants to reform Løvborg, and Judge Brack, who wants Hedda in his power, leave her struggling to build the life she wants. Hedda Gabler was first performed in Munich in 1891, and within months there were productions in Berlin, Copenhagen, London, and New York. It was Ibsen's first play to be translated from proofs before performance or publication. Productions of the play have won two Olivier Awards and been broadcast in multiple countries; since 1917, it has been adapted into more than a dozen feature films in almost as many languages.

"Hedda Gabler has just returned from her honeymoon. She has married out of ennui, and is already heartily sick of her husband, who is a plodding, pedantic academic. Upon moving into her new Christiania home, she soon discovers that Thea Elvsted, an old schoolmate whom she always envied and despised, has boldly left her marriage in order to be with Eilert Lvborg, a former lover of Hedda who is trying to overcome a past life of debauchery and alcoholism by creating a revolutionary new work of philosophy and returning to respectability. Another old flame, Judge Brack, tries to wheedle his way back into Hedda's life by any means possible. Yearning to exercise power over someone, anyone, to mould a human destiny, Hedda begins callously to manipulate the people around her to devastating effect. Written at the height of Ibsen's mature period, this play has endured as one of the most-performed and most powerful of all Ibsen's works. Hedda is both perpetrator and victim, a psychologically-complex, frustrated woman trying to assert some control over her world. ( Expatriate)"

Master Builder Halvard Solness is an ageing architect who has not achieved what he wanted, neither in art nor in love. He fears and bullies his juniors, and thinks he is going mad. His wife and mistress try to care for him as best they can, without themselves getting hurt in return. The situation is further fraught by the arrival of young and seductive Hilda Wangel, who also plays a part in Ibsen's previous drama "The Lady from the Sea."

In Henrik Ibsen's play "Little Eyolf" we meet Alfred Allmer and his wife Rita, whose marriage and relationship has been strained ever since their son, Eyolf, fell from a table as an infant and became lame. Alfred has been burying himself in work, writing his philosophical thesis on 'human responsibility'. Meanwhile, Rita still feels a lot of desire towards Alfred and is jealous of everyone who comes near him. But when little Eyolf is lured away by the Rat-Wife and drowns in a lake, the couple must learn how to be husband and wife all over again.