Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and poet who is often referred to as the father of realism. Ibsen is one of the most famous playwrights in history and many of his works are among the most performed plays today. A Doll's House is Ibsen's most famous play and in the early 20th century it was the most performed play in the world. The play is especially famous for its critique of marriage norms in the 19th century.