KATHMANDU: Even after his death 100 years ago, Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s influence is very strong, not just in Norway but the world over. This is evident by the various programmes organised around the world in his memory to mark his 100th death anniversary.

A programme was organised at the Birendra International Convention Centre on May 23 which included an exhibition of artworks inspired by the works of Ibsen, the release of a booklet consisting the poems and prose written by Nepali writers on impressions of Ibsen and a jazz performance on Peer Gynt by a team of 17 people comprising both Nepali and Norwegian musicians.

The artworks and the literary pieces were done during a workshop conducted a few months ago at the Norwegian ambassador Tore Toreng’s residence. A documentary on Ibsen was screened then, while Arohan Theatre’s Sunil Pokharel and Nisha Sharma acted out scenes from Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, and did a reading from The Master Builder.

Aarohan Theatre group has performed A Doll’s House for more than 100 times in Nepali and plan to perform it in Newar language soon will be putting up a performance of The Master Builder this year.

Ambassador Toreng said, “I have found that people in Asia know more about Ibsen than Norwegians, and we thought of using this opportunity as an occasion for a confluence of culture among musicians, poets and artists.”

The general public will be able to witness the jazz ensemble at Basantapur Durbar Square on May 24 at 4:00 pm. — HNS