Brand cover art

Brand

Brand

By: Henrik Ibsen
Listen for free

About this listen

 Fueled by the perceived betrayal of Denmark by his Norwegian homeland during the Prussian invasion, Ibsen crafted Brand as a powerful critique of human complacency and mental rigidity. Written during his self-imposed exile in Italy, Ibsen wrestled with the provincial attitudes of his fellow countrymen, but the abandonment of Denmark transformed in his mind into a tragedy that eclipsed his own personal struggles. The play features Brand, a priest who steadfastly refuses to compromise, often at the expense of those around him, driven by ideals that prove unattainable. With a memorable cast of characters—including Gerd, the delusional peasant girl; Ejnar, the complacent artist; and Agnes, the devoted lover—Brand marks a pivotal moment in Ibsens career. It not only ignited fierce debates in Scandinavian literature but also became one of Ibsens personal favorites. The brilliance of the work lies in its artful critique of societal complacency, balanced with a cautionary tale against intolerant zeal. The character of Brand, both principled and flawed, serves as Ibsens idealized self, echoing the mantra, Give Nothing, or give All, with profound repercussions.Copyright Short Stories Art Drama & Plays Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • 011 - Act V Pt 3

    011 - Act V Pt 3
    Feb 23 2026
    Fueled by the perceived betrayal of Denmark by his Norwegian homeland during the Prussian invasion, Ibsen crafted Brand as a powerful critique of human complacency and mental rigidity. Written during his self-imposed exile in Italy, Ibsen wrestled with the provincial attitudes of his fellow countrymen, but the abandonment of Denmark transformed in his mind into a tragedy that eclipsed his own personal struggles. The play features Brand, a priest who steadfastly refuses to compromise, often at the expense of those around him, driven by ideals that prove unattainable. With a memorable cast of characters—including Gerd, the delusional peasant girl; Ejnar, the complacent artist; and Agnes, the devoted lover—Brand marks a pivotal moment in Ibsens career. It not only ignited fierce debates in Scandinavian literature but also became one of Ibsens personal favorites. The brilliance of the work lies in its artful critique of societal complacency, balanced with a cautionary tale against intolerant zeal. The character of Brand, both principled and flawed, serves as Ibsens idealized self, echoing the mantra, Give Nothing, or give All, with profound repercussions.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • 010 - Act V Pt 2

    010 - Act V Pt 2
    Feb 23 2026
    Fueled by the perceived betrayal of Denmark by his Norwegian homeland during the Prussian invasion, Ibsen crafted Brand as a powerful critique of human complacency and mental rigidity. Written during his self-imposed exile in Italy, Ibsen wrestled with the provincial attitudes of his fellow countrymen, but the abandonment of Denmark transformed in his mind into a tragedy that eclipsed his own personal struggles. The play features Brand, a priest who steadfastly refuses to compromise, often at the expense of those around him, driven by ideals that prove unattainable. With a memorable cast of characters—including Gerd, the delusional peasant girl; Ejnar, the complacent artist; and Agnes, the devoted lover—Brand marks a pivotal moment in Ibsens career. It not only ignited fierce debates in Scandinavian literature but also became one of Ibsens personal favorites. The brilliance of the work lies in its artful critique of societal complacency, balanced with a cautionary tale against intolerant zeal. The character of Brand, both principled and flawed, serves as Ibsens idealized self, echoing the mantra, Give Nothing, or give All, with profound repercussions.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • 009 - Act V Pt 1

    009 - Act V Pt 1
    Feb 23 2026
    Fueled by the perceived betrayal of Denmark by his Norwegian homeland during the Prussian invasion, Ibsen crafted Brand as a powerful critique of human complacency and mental rigidity. Written during his self-imposed exile in Italy, Ibsen wrestled with the provincial attitudes of his fellow countrymen, but the abandonment of Denmark transformed in his mind into a tragedy that eclipsed his own personal struggles. The play features Brand, a priest who steadfastly refuses to compromise, often at the expense of those around him, driven by ideals that prove unattainable. With a memorable cast of characters—including Gerd, the delusional peasant girl; Ejnar, the complacent artist; and Agnes, the devoted lover—Brand marks a pivotal moment in Ibsens career. It not only ignited fierce debates in Scandinavian literature but also became one of Ibsens personal favorites. The brilliance of the work lies in its artful critique of societal complacency, balanced with a cautionary tale against intolerant zeal. The character of Brand, both principled and flawed, serves as Ibsens idealized self, echoing the mantra, Give Nothing, or give All, with profound repercussions.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.