Peer Gynt

Most of us know Peer Gynt. The guy who drinks, lies and charms the ladies but runs when things get complicated. The guy who battles his inner demons and outer tribulations and finds success abroad – but who eventually returns to the woman who is waiting for him, to his Solveig.

In this production of Henrik Ibsen's classic play, Norwegian director Johannes Holmen Dahl explores the very core of Peer Gynt. Ibsen's play is performed with Edvard Grieg's magnificent original music, just as it was for the play's world premiere in 1876 – but rarely in modern times.

What can the contrast and tension between Ibsen's political and satirical play and Grieg's Norwegian national romantic music tell us today?

Johannes Holmen Dahl is one of Norway's leading theatre directors, who, together with scenographer and costume designer Nia Damerell, has staged a number of critically acclaimed plays, including Hamlet (2021) and Tid for glede (2022).

As they take on Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt, they are joined by actor Herbert Nordrum in the lead role. Among his many notable roles, Nordrum is known for the Oscar-nominated film The Worst Person in the World and the critically acclaimed Hamlet at the National Theatre in Oslo.

Together with a strong ensemble, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and a large choir, a powerful experience awaits where the essence of Ibsen's writing is highlighted, and the music is allowed to shine.

The performance is a co-production between the Bergen International Festival and the National Theatre – a theatre rooted in Ibsen's own theatre. The music is performed by Grieg's orchestra – the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Søndergård.

After its premiere at the 2024 Bergen International Festival, the production will be staged at the Norwegian Opera & Ballet and the National Theatre.

Picture above:
Herbert Nordrum will be playing the title role in Peer Gynt. Photo: Erika Hebbert/Nationaltheatret