Decorah-area readers can join a free discussion of Henrik Ibsen’s The Wild Duck from home this fall when Vesterheim moves its Scandinavian literature series, Bokprat, online.
The program is scheduled for 7 to 8:15 p.m. Central time Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Advance registration through Vesterheim’s event page is required. Once registered, attendees can add the program to Google Calendar, iCalendar, Outlook 365 or Outlook Live.
How to join the online discussion
The museum’s event page will provide the information needed to join the Zoom conversation. Vesterheim may update that information, so readers should return to the page shortly before the 7 p.m. session rather than relying only on details saved during registration.
Because the program will be held online, participants will not need to travel to the Vesterheim museum in Decorah. The format allows people in the Decorah area to take part from home.
What “The Wild Duck” explores
First published in 1884, The Wild Duck follows the Ekdal family after its fragile peace is disrupted by Gregers Werle, an idealist determined to expose concealed truths. The play examines the relationship between an idealistic son and his corrupt merchant father.
As Werle tries to rescue the people around him, his father’s duplicity is revealed. The effort ultimately destroys the people Werle hopes to help and pushes the family toward a deeper unraveling.
Those themes give the Bokprat conversation several possible entry points, including deception, betrayal and disillusionment in modern life. The drama combines serious and comic elements, including comedy and satire. Vesterheim describes the work as realistic, while literary scholars have also connected it with symbolism.
The play is regarded as the first modern masterpiece in the tragicomedy genre. Participants may also explore its family conflict and the way humor, satire and tragedy operate together.
Part of Vesterheim’s Bokprat series
The October program is part of Vesterheim’s recurring Bokprat series, an online book group focused on Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. Vesterheim announced the program in August 2026.
Readers interested in attending should register through the museum’s event page and revisit it before Wednesday, Oct. 28, for the latest Zoom access information.