The International Ibsen Prize was established by the Norwegian Government in 2007 and is to be awarded to an individual, organisation or institution in the field of the arts for extraordinary achievements in the spirit of Henrik Ibsen.
Peter Brook received the International Ibsen Prize for 2008. Photo: Kyrre Lien / Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs / Scanpix
The jury stated that Peter Brook was awarded the prize in recognition of his “successful demonstration that all significant theatre has a unique ability to bring people together.”
During his more than 60-year-long career, Peter Brook has directed a large number of plays, films and TV productions, and has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House in London.
The Ibsen Prize was presented by Liv Ullmann (left) and Tancred Ibsen, Henrik Ibsen’s grandson (right), on the main stage of the National Theatre. Photo: Kyrre Lien / Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs / Scanpix
“Peter Brook is a man I admire enormously. He works in the spirit of Ibsen – he has put people and the truth central stage,” said Liv Ullmann, who headed the jury.
Head of the jury Liv Ullmann and Peter Brook. Photo: Kyrre Lien / Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs / Scanpix
The Ibsen Prize is worth NOK 2.5 million (equivalent to EUR 300 000, or USD 500 000). It was presented in connection with the annual Ibsen Festival, which is held in Oslo from 30 August to 1 September 2008.