Decorah-area readers will have a chance to discuss Henrik Ibsen’s The Wild Duck from home this fall when Vesterheim moves its Scandinavian literature series, Bokprat, online. The free discussion is scheduled for 7 to 8:15 p.m. Central time Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.
Advance registration through Vesterheim’s event page is required. People planning to attend should register before the program begins and return to the event page shortly before the discussion for the latest information needed to join the 7 p.m. Zoom session.
How Decorah readers can join
After registering, participants can add the event to Google Calendar, iCalendar, Outlook 365 or Outlook Live. Vesterheim’s event page will provide the access details for the online conversation.
The museum says Zoom information may be updated, so attendees should check the event page again before the discussion rather than relying only on information saved during registration. Because the program is online, participants will not need to travel to Vesterheim.
What the Ibsen play 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—but the effort ultimately destroys those Werle hopes to help and pushes the family toward a deeper unraveling.
Discussion may address 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, giving participants several possible paths into the conversation, including family conflict and the way humor, satire and tragedy work 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 taking part should register through the museum’s event page and revisit it before Wednesday, Oct. 28, for the current Zoom access information.