Henrik_Ibsen Henrik Johan Ibsen (; 20 March 1828 – 23 May 1906) was a major 19th-century Norwegian poet and playwright of realistic drama. He is often referred to as the "father of modern drama" and is one of the founders of modernism in the theatre. Alongside Olav Duun and Knut Hamsun, Ibsen is held to be the greatest of Norwegian authors, celebrated as a national symbol by Norwegians, and one of the most important playwrights of all time.