International Ibsen Award 2012 for Heiner Goebbels

The International Ibsen Award, which is one of the world's most prestigous theatre awards, honours an individual, institution or organization that has brought new artistic dimensions to the world of drama or theatre. On march 20th - the birthday of Henrik Ibsen - during a press conference in the Norwegian embassy in Berlin the committee of the international Ibsen Award revealed Heiner Goebbels as the winner for 2012. "Eraritjaritjaka" and "Stifters Dinge" two of his most renowned works, will be presented in Oslo on September 9th at the International Ibsen Festival, where the Award Ceremony takes place. On September 10th Heiner Goebbels is invited to participate at the International Ibsen Conference at Ibsen's birthplace in Skien. See here some samples of his performances Official statement of the jury: “Heiner Goebbels - creator of works for theatre, theatre director, composer, musician, teacher and festival programmer - is one of the great creative personalities of today. He is responsible for an astounding body of work in disparate disciplines and has exerted a profound influence on theatre practitioners and musicians. His theatrical work extends from a large scale work for the opera house to an installation for a theatre without performers. Each piece is essentially different in character and form and each is genuinely ground breaking. He is a true innovator and his works defy conventional definition. He has explored and expanded the relationship between theatre and music and in so doing has developed the elements of theatre in a way that has opened up new insights and possibilities. In this way he fulfills the fundamental purpose of theatre to widen our experience of ourselves and of the world. In addition he has been a pioneer in the use of technology in theatre. His work has been seen in over 50 different countries transforming the experience of audiences and influencing a wide range of performing and creative artists. The power and significance of his work will in the future increase and will influence theatre and theatre making for the decades and generations to come.”