The International Ibsen Award
The International Ibsen Award is the world’s leading theatre prize, awarded biennially for extraordinary achievements in the spirit of Henrik Ibsen.
WINNER 2026
JAHA KOO
Jaha Koo is a South Korean theatre maker, composer, and video artist whose practice spans multimedia performance and technology.
CUCKOO
Experience the breakthrough performance by South Korean multidisciplinary artist Jaha Koo – recipient of the International Ibsen Award 2026.
A journey through the last 20 years of Korean history told by a bunch of talkative rice cookers.
THE INTERNATIONAL IBSEN AWARD 2026 CEREMONY
On Saturday 26 September at 8 pm the prestigious International Ibsen Award 2026 will be presented on the National Theatre in Oslo.
Minister of Culture Lubna Jaffery will present the award and together with guests from abroad and from across the country we look forward to celebrating the artistry of Jaha Koo.
CRITERIA FOR THE WINNER OF IIA 2026
These are the criteria that the Comittee has chosen to guide the selection of the 2026 laureate.
In a world too often positioned through the ‘for’ and ‘against’, The International Ibsen Award 2026 rewards the imagining of theatre as the space inbetween – as a site for assembly, a place to envision and inspire what we might not yet know. The practice of theatre made through compassion and kindness, so critically needed for our times. The experience of art as a reminder of the human capacity to nurture and share beauty, hope and joy, as new ways of being and seeing. Theatre forging time and space for the reflection of the on going quiet works that are democracy in action.
Previous Recipients of the Award
The International Ibsen Award honours an individual, institution or organization that has brought new artistic dimensions to the world of drama or theater. It is awarded every two years.
“The spirit of truth and the spirit of freedom – these are the pillars of society.”
— Henrik Ibsen
THE COMMITTEE
The committe consists of seven senior figures within performing arts, appointed by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture. Chair of the IAA committe is Ingrid Lorentzen, Artistic Director of the Norwegian National Ballet.
