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1828
1828 – Henrik Ibsen is born on March 20 in Skien, Norway, into a wealthy merchant family. His early years were comfortable but would later be affected by family financial troubles. -
1836
1836 – Ibsen’s family begins to face financial difficulties, which forces them to live more modestly and impacts his childhood environment. -
1844
1844 – At 16, Ibsen starts working as an apothecary apprentice in Grimstad. This period is important as he begins writing poems and short plays while working there. -
1845
1845 – During his apprenticeship, Ibsen experiments with poetry and drama, exploring his early interest in writing and storytelling. -
1850
1850 – Ibsen writes his first play, Catilina, a historical tragedy that marks his entry into serious playwriting, although it is not successful at first. -
1851
1851 – He moves to Bergen and begins working at the Norwegian Theatre, where he gains experience in playwriting and theatre production. -
1852
1852 – While in Bergen, Ibsen writes several plays and takes on directing duties, developing his skills despite limited audience approval. -
1857
1857 – Ibsen is appointed director of the Norwegian Theatre in Christiania (now Oslo), giving him more control over productions and play selections. -
1859
1859 – He writes several early plays during this period that reflect his efforts to develop Norwegian drama, though they receive mixed reviews. -
1862
1862 – Ibsen ends his role as director at the Norwegian Theatre, having gained significant practical knowledge despite not achieving great success. -
1864
1864 – Ibsen leaves Norway for self-imposed exile, mainly living in Italy and Germany, where he focuses on writing and developing his style away from Norwegian audiences. -
1866
1866 – He writes Brand, a verse tragedy about a priest who demands absolute dedication, which earns him recognition in Scandinavia. -
1867
1867 – Ibsen completes Peer Gynt, a poetic and imaginative play based on Norwegian folklore, which becomes one of his most popular works. -
1871
1871 – While living in Italy, Ibsen refines his writing style, moving towards realism and deeper psychological exploration. -
1879
1879 – A Doll’s House premieres, shocking audiences with its critical view of marriage and social roles, sparking widespread debate. -
1882
1882 – He writes An Enemy of the People, which criticizes political corruption and the suppression of truth by society. -
1881
1881 – Ibsen writes Ghosts, a play that confronts social hypocrisy and taboo topics such as inherited disease, facing censorship but gaining critical attention. -
1890
1890 – Ibsen completes Hedda Gabler, presenting a complex female character struggling with societal constraints and personal freedom. -
1891
1891 – Ibsen’s plays gain widespread influence, establishing him as a leading figure in modern realistic theatre. -
1906
1906 – Henrik Ibsen dies on May 23 in Kristiania (now Oslo), Norway, leaving a profound legacy in world drama.