Readers in the Decorah area can take part from home this fall when Vesterheim brings its Scandinavian literature series, Bokprat, online for a discussion of Henrik Ibsen’s The Wild Duck. The free 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. After registering, participants can add the event to Google Calendar, iCalendar, Outlook 365 or Outlook Live.
How Decorah-area participants can join
The museum’s event page will contain the information needed to join the Zoom conversation. Because Vesterheim may update those access details, attendees should return to the page shortly before the 7 p.m. session instead of relying only on information saved during registration.
The online format means participants will not need to travel to the Vesterheim museum in Decorah. People in the area can join the discussion from home.
A family drama built around hidden truths
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 attempts to rescue those around him, his father’s duplicity is revealed. That effort ultimately destroys the people Werle hopes to help and sends the family toward a deeper unraveling.
Those plot elements create several possible discussion topics for Bokprat, including deception, betrayal and disillusionment in modern life. The drama combines serious and comic elements, including comedy and satire. Vesterheim describes the play as realistic, while literary scholars have also linked it with symbolism.
The work is regarded as the first modern masterpiece in the tragicomedy genre. Participants may also consider its family conflict and the way humor, satire and tragedy work together.
Part of Vesterheim’s recurring Bokprat series
The October event is part of Bokprat, Vesterheim’s recurring online book group focused on Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. The museum announced the program in August 2026.
Readers who want to attend should register through Vesterheim’s event page and revisit it before Wednesday, Oct. 28, for the latest Zoom access information.