Henrik Ibsen

John Gabriel Borkman Henrik Ibsen

The second-to-last play of the famous Norwegian dramatist, Henrik Ibsen, was written in 1896. "John Gabriel Borkman" is the story of its title character, a former bank manager who has been imprisoned for embezzlement. The story takes place long after his release from prison. Having suffered financially from the imprisonment of John, the Borkman family is at odds over the future of their son, young Erhart Borkman. MRS. BORKMAN's drawing-room, furnished with old-fashioned, faded splendour. At the back, an open sliding-door leads into a garden-room, with windows and a glass door. Through it a view over the garden; twilight with driving snow. On the right, a door leading from the hall. Further forward, a large old-fashioned iron stove, with the fire lighted. On the left, towards the back, a single smaller door. In front, on the same side, a window, covered with thick curtains. Between the window and the door a horsehair sofa, with a table in front of it covered with a cloth. On the table, a lighted lamp with a shade. Beside the stove a high-backed armchair.