The Norwegian state has announced that Jaha Koo—the South Korean theatre-maker, composer, and video artist—is the winner of the International Ibsen Award 2026. Often described as the "Nobel Prize of theatre," this prestigious honor includes a prize of 2.5 million Norwegian Kroner. Koo makes history as the first recipient of Asian descent to receive the award.
A Master of the "In-Between"
Currently living and working in Ghent, Belgium, Koo has spent over a decade redefining theatrical forms. The jury praised his ability to eschew the "loud and bombastic" in favor of the intimate and delicate. His work creates a unique "space in-between," where socio-political critique meets hauntingly beautiful multimedia landscapes.
Koo’s signature style blends documentary elements, electronic music, and video art. He is perhaps best known for his Hamartia Trilogy (2014–2020), which explores the tragic flaws of history and the lingering impact of Western imperialism on East Asian identity. Highlights of the trilogy include:
Lolling and Rolling: A biting look at linguistic imperialism and the obsession with English in South Korea.
Cuckoo: A bittersweet dialogue between the artist and three hacked, talking rice cookers that reflect on twenty years of Korean socio-economic crises.
The History of Korean Western Theatre: An exploration of how imported traditions replaced indigenous performance forms.
Redefining the Stage
Koo’s most recent work, Haribo Kimchi (2024), continues his fascination with "automation theatre," featuring a robotic eel and a pojangmacha (late-night snack bar) on stage. His theatre is profoundly human, using food and domestic objects as agents of storytelling to foster a sense of togetherness and assembly.
The official award ceremony will take place in September at the National Theatre in Oslo. This historic venue recently gained global cinematic attention as a filming location for the Oscar-winning film Sentimental Value.
By awarding Jaha Koo, the Ibsen Committee recognizes a visionary who uses kindness, wit, and silence to dismantle borders, inviting audiences to see the world through a more compassionate, nuanced lens.
