Master of Minimalism: Why Nobel Prize-winning author Jon Fosse remains the 2nd-most adapted playwright in Norway
playwright, Jon Fosse has been awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature.
In a press note, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences bestowed the prize on the author for his “innovative plays which give voice to the unsayable.”
Along with the prize, the 64-year-old playwright was also awarded a hefty amount of money, about 11 million kronor.
In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the author said that he felt “overwhelmed and frightened” at winning the award.
“I am overwhelmed and somewhat frightened. I see this as an award to the literature first and foremost, without other considerations,” he said during the interview.
Who Is Jon Fosse?
One of the most prolific literary figures in Norway, Fosse is the most performed playwright, second only to Henrik Ibsen, the father of realism in theatre.
His work spans over seventy novels, innumerable poems, plays, as well books for young adults. Many of his works have been translated into Persian as well as English.
Some of his best-known novels include the ‘Melancholia’ series. Set in 19th-century Norway, it revolves around the life and times of the painter Lars Hertervig. Other notable works include the reflective novel ‘Morning & Evening’ which is narrated mostly in retrospect, and explores around the life of a fisherman.
Master Of Minimalism
Often hailed for his minimalistic and introspective tone, and for avoiding excesses of dramatism, Fosse is often credited as being a worthy successor of Ibsen.
For example, in plays such as ‘Someone Is Going To Come’ and ‘Dreams Of Autumn’, Fosse makes sure his tone is not maudlin, but keeps the language lucid, without giving in to the familiar desire of making it more ornamental or verbose.
In an interview with the B
