Byggmester Solness

The Master Builder Halvard Solness has left both his best and worst years behind.
He has endured the greatest crisis alongside his wife: a fire that destroyed Aline’s childhood home broke her spirit — but launched his brilliant career as an architect. Now, Halvard stands at a crossroads. What comes next?

He has spent his entire career building homes for others, yet is unable to create one for himself and his family. The master builder is terrified of being pushed aside by younger forces. But perhaps it is his own inner turmoil that is the true enemy? Suddenly, the young Hilde Wangel appears, demanding that a ten-year-old promise be fulfilled. Will she manage to persuade the master builder to defy his fears and accomplish the greatest feat of his life?

The Master Builder is one of Ibsen’s final plays, portraying a successful yet tormented man who has sacrificed his own happiness — and that of others — for the sake of his art. Director and artistic director Stéphane Braunschweig from the Odéon–Théâtre de l’Europe in Paris has a deep affinity for Ibsen’s works. He has previously visited Nationaltheatret, notably with his beautiful and clear version of The Wild Duck during the 2014 Ibsen Festival. This time, he brings Mads Ousdal and Gisken Armand as Mr. and Mrs. Solness, and Mariann Hole as the bold Hilde, in what promises to be a stylish and classic rendition of Ibsen’s major drama.

In Ousdal’s portrayal, we come close to the tormented architect — torn between megalomania, midlife crisis, and gnawing guilt.

“A powerful psychological thriller”
— VG

“(...) like a carousel of shame and dominance.”
— Dagbladet

“Truly worthy of an Ibsen Festival (...) this production must be a small kingdom in itself.”
— Dagsavisen