(1857-1929)
A Norwegian dramatist, critic, and essayist, Heiberg was overshadowed by the achievement of Henrik Ibsen. His first play, Tante Ulrikke (1884; Aunt Ulrikke), offers a dramatic representation of the struggle of one of Norway's leading early feminists, Aasta Hansteen (1824-1908). Kong Midas (1890; King Midas) accused Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson of being self-righteous, while Kunstnere (1893; Artists) and Gerts have (1894; Gert's Garden) have a lighter mood. Balkonen (1894; tr. The Balcony, 1922) and Kjærlighedens tragedie (1904; tr. The Tragedy of Love, 1921) explore the tension between erotic love and everyday reality. Jeg vil værge mit land (1912; I Shall Defend My Country) is set in 1905 and deals with the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden. Heiberg's essays abundantly attest to familiarity with contemporary culture and his keen sense of stagecraft. Two important volumes are Ibsen og Bjørnson pa scenen (1918; Ibsen and Bjørnson on the Stage) and Norsk teater (1920; Norwegian Theater).
See also Theater.
Historical Dictionary of Scandinavian Literature and Theater. Jan Sjavik. 2006.