Abstract
This thesis investigates the state of cultural diversity in the Norwegian theatre field during the period 2014-2018, focusing on second and third generation immigrants in staging of plays by Henrik Ibsen. Despite the extensive research conducted in the field of Ibsen studies, the connection between ethnic minority studies and Ibsen has yet to be explored. Interest in the condition of second and third generation immigrants in Western Europe is a quite recent phenomenon caused by different waves of immigration that the continent has seen in the last fifty years. In this thesis I examine the participation of Norwegians with a minority background in the drama industry in Norway, with a specific focus on performances and adaptations of Ibsen’s works. Theatre has an important role in depicting our current time and society, promoting dialogue, discussions and potential social change. Henrik Ibsen is one of the most important icons of Norway, contributing to the creation and consolidation of Norwegian culture and values. The intersection between the theatre industry and Ibsen ́s performances created a space for dialogue in which second and third generation immigrants may feel themselves to be an integral part of the Norwegian society. At the same time audience is led to reflect on the state of current society, learning to accept minority Norwegians as constituents of today ́s multicultural society. Through the combination of different disciplines such as production analysis, reception studies, postcolonial studies, and Ibsen studies this thesis analyzes the four different Ibsen adaptations from this period, examining the level of inclusion of or discrimination against minority Norwegian actors in the Norwegian theatre field. The four adaptations are Et dukkehjem by Kilden Teater (2017, directed by Harry Guttormsen); Peer Gynt by Nationaltheatret (2014, directed by Alexander Mørk- Eidem); Peer Gynt by Det Norske Teatret (2018, directed by Erik Ulfsby); and Hedda Gabler by Nationaltheatret (2018, directed by Sofia Jupither).