The XII International Ibsen Conference will be held June 14-20 in Shanghai, China. This is the first time the conference is organized in Asia and the first time outside the Western world of Europe and USA. A widespread global interest for Ibsen and his works became obvious throughout the centennial Ibsen Year of 2006, and Norwegians were once more reminded that our national poet belongs to the world. 250 Ibsen productions on all six continents since 2008 verify this perception. The theme for this years’ conference will be Ibsen Across Cultures and is as such appropriate.

The International Ibsen Award for 2009 is given to the French stage director Ariane Mnouchkine. She founded the Parisian avant-garde stage ensemble Théâtre du Soleil in 1964. Her theatrical art has since then fascinated audiences in France and theatre-lovers throughout the world, and for many years the Théâtre de Soleil would continue to be the touchstone of a new form of collective creation. The jury points out that everyone who has seen one of Ariane Mnouchkine’s productions "leaves with the feeling of having been part of a tale of enchantment".