The 15th International Ibsen Conference was convened at Nanjing University from June 24 to 26.
The conference was hosted by Nanjing University, co-hosted by University of Oslo, organized by School of Arts, School of Foreign Studies, and Institute of Global Humanities at Nanjing University, and co-organized by Center for Ibsen Studies of the University of Oslo. The conference focused on the theme of “Intermedial Ibsen”, aiming to introduce new research perspectives into Ibsen studies.
Among the notable attendees from China were Chen Yunsong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Nanjing University; He Chengzhou, Dean of the School of Arts of Nanjing University; He Ning, Dean of the School of Foreign Studies of Nanjing University; Wang Ning, Dean of the Institute of Humanities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Wu Xiaojiang, National Class One Director; and Wang Yabin, National Class One Performer.
Additionally, over thirty international dignitaries were present, including Solfrid Dahl Helgesen, the Norwegian Deputy Consul General in Shanghai; Lisbeth Wærp, President of the International Ibsen Committee; Frode Helland, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Oslo.
The conference, themed “Intermedial Ibsen”, received more than 200 article submissions from across the globe. The articles focused on the latest developments in intermedial studies of literature and art, covering topics like the depiction of artists in Ibsen’s plays, the references and uses of various art forms, the film adaptations, the musical and dance adaptations, and the intercultural performances of Ibsen’s works.
The conference featured twelve panels, addressing themes such as “Intermedial Practice and the Canonization of Ibsen’s Plays”, “Ethical Criticism of Ibsen’s Plays”, “Directing Ibsen’s Plays”, “Comparative Studies of Ibsen and Chekhov’s Plays”, “Intercultural Ibsen”, “Rethinking Ibsen: Stage, Media, and Gender”, “Ibsen and Critical Theory”, “Changing Forms and Political Ideas in Ibsen’s Plays”, “Ibsen and (Virtual) Space”, “The Presentation of Ibsen’s Body in Different Media”, “Ibsen’s Life”, and “Ibsen in Germany”.
Renowned scholars from China and abroad, including Professor Wang Yuli from the School of Arts of Wuhan University, Professor Chen Xiaomei from University of California, Davis, Professor Gao Ziwen from School of Literature of Nanjing University, and Associate Professor Xia Liyang from the University of Oslo chaired the panels.
In addition, Peer Gynt: Fantasia of A Pig, a new play adapted from Ibsen's Peer Gynt, produced by the Department of Theatre, Movie, and Television of Nanjing University, was performed from June 24 to 26 in the Black Box Theatre of Nanjing University. The story centers on the plot of the devil and the pig in the original play, exploring the lonely spiritual experiences of individuals in modern society with a romantic atmosphere and youthful vitality.
Since the 12th International Ibsen Conference was held at Fudan University in June 2009, it has been fifteen years since Ibsen International Conference last took place in China. This year’s conference was organized by Professor He Chengzhou, member of the International Ibsen Committee. He is the first Chinese scholar to serve as the Chair of this committee and has been awarded the Norwegian “Ibsen Medal.”
Nanjing University values cooperation with Norway, and has been leading the way in international exchanges. The successful hosting of the conference is a manifestation of the university’s long-standing commitment to and deepening of international exchange initiatives.
