Henrik Ibsen

When We Dead Awaken Henrik Ibsen

Ibsen, considered to be the father of modern drama, was a Norwegian playwright. He is responsible for "realistic drama". When We Dead Awaken was Ibsen's final play. Rubek is an aging sculptor who has lost all interest in the world around him. Rubek has wealth, a beautiful wife and fame yet he is unhappy. He is in an emotional vacuum until he is jolted awake by a reunion with Irene, an earlier model of his. Irene is insane believing herself to be a half dead corpse walking over the earth. Even though Rubek is married and Irene is crazy he still courts her. Rubek believes that together he and Irene can make each other whole. Irene agrees to spend one final night with Rubek. Rubek must pay a terrible price for this one night.