Henrik Ibsen: The Master Playwright

Overview

This program, narrated by Ibsen biographer Michael Meyer, charts the development of Henrik Ibsen’s style over four periods: his early years of failure; his epic dramas; his sociological plays, such as A Doll’s House, Ghosts, and Rosmersholm; and his final plays, including Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder, and Little Eyolf, in which he dealt with the dark interior of the human soul. Televised productions and theater excerpts showcase Ibsen’s works, while writers John Mortimer and D. M. Thomas and psychologist Anthony Storr consider their complexity and treatment of daring themes such as women’s rights, venereal disease, and parental responsibility.

Guest Stars

Suzanne Bertish

Rebekka West

Brian Cox

Henrik Ibsen (voice)

Roger Lloyd Pack

Rosmer

Michael Meyer

Self

John Mortimer

Self

David Ryall

Pastor Kroll

Anthony Storr

Self

D.M. Thomas

Self