The Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka held a discussion on Thursday (November 6) spotlighting two of Norway's most influential playwrights, Henrik Ibsen and Jon Fosse. The event, featuring theatre scholars and cultural figures, examined how the two dramatists—separated by a century—continue to shape global theatre through their distinct explorations of human emotion and morality.

The talk, titled "A Conversation on Henrik Ibsen and Jon Fosse", was led by Professor Ahmed Ahsanuzzaman of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), who earned his MPhil and PhD in Ibsen Studies from the University of Oslo. In his address, he compared and contrasted the two playwrights' approaches to storytelling, emotion, and philosophical depth.

"While Henrik Ibsen and Jon Fosse are both Norwegian playwrights, they differ significantly in style and themes," said Professor Ahsanuzzaman. "Both explore profound human emotions, loneliness, and a quest for meaning in life. However, Ibsen addresses social and moral issues, employing compelling plots to expose hypocrisy and constraints society imposes on individuals, while Fosse is seemingly uninterested in making social commentary. His plays use silence, repetition, and interior monologue rhythmically to portray characters torn apart by inner conflicts."

The discussion drew participation from academics, theatre practitioners, diplomats, and members of the cultural community, who shared insights on how the works of both writers continue to resonate beyond Norway.

The event coincides with the world's preparation to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Henrik Ibsen's birth in 2028. Known as the father of modern drama, Ibsen's plays remain widely studied and performed worldwide, including in Bangladesh, where leading theatre groups have staged his works in Bangla translation. His themes of equality, social justice, and personal freedom continue to find strong relevance in Bangladesh's cultural and social context.

Jon Fosse, recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature, represents a newer yet equally powerful voice in Norwegian theatre. His minimalist style—marked by sparse dialogue, silence, and spiritual reflection—has been acclaimed for redefining the language of contemporary drama.

The Norwegian Embassy noted that the event aimed to foster cultural exchange and deepen appreciation for Norway's literary and theatrical traditions in Bangladesh.