Norwegian playwright and theatre director Henrik Johan Ibsen, March 20, 1828 - May 23, 1906, is considered one of the most influential and insightful playwrights and poets of the nineteenth century, also referred to as "the father of realism" and "the father of modern drama." His plays, including Love's Comedy, Brand, Peer Gynt, Emperor and Galilean, The Pillars of Society, A Doll's House, Ghosts, An Enemy of the People, The Wild Duck, Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder, and When We Dead Awaken explored and challenged social norms and taboos, stirring up controversy and debate, and bringing to the stage powerful and notorious characters, such as Hedda, the daughter of an aristocratic and enigmatic general, and considered to be one of the most demanding roles taken on by prominent actresses worldwide.
Ibsen was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1902, 1903, and 1904, and his plays continue to be performed around the world to this day.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is founder of Waterkeeper Alliance and founder, chairman of the board, and chief legal counsel for Children's Health Defense. He is also counsel to Morgan & Morgan, a nationwide personal injury practice. Kennedy is an esteemed author, with a long list of published books including the New York Times bestseller, Crimes Against Nature and of Thimerosal: Let the Science Speak. Mr. Kennedy was named one of Time magazine's "Heroes for the Planet" for his success helping Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River. His reputation as a resolute defender of the environment and children's health stems from a litany of successful legal actions. He received recognition for his role in the landmark victory against Monsanto, as well as in the DuPont Case that inspired the movie Dark Waters (2019).
