The 19th-Century Censorship Committee

Theatrical Censorship Committee - Brief

You are an artistic censorship committee of the municipal authority in Christiania, considering whether to permit performance of a new play, Ghosts, in the city's main theatre. You have invited various expert witnesses to present their viewpoints. Your role is to listen to each witness's statement, ask probing questions, and weigh up the arguments presented so as to arrive at an overall verdict.

You will be interviewing four witnesses, who will each provide a brief statement in response to one of the following questions:

1. [Henrik Ibsen] Why did you choose to write Ghosts in such an unflinching and controversial manner, in the full knowledge that it would provoke outrage?
2. [Erik Bøgh] How does Ghosts challenge moral and social values, and what potential harm could it cause to audiences?
3. [August Lindberg] Why should Ghosts be staged despite its controversial themes, and what artistic or social value does it provide to audiences?
4. [Edvard Bull] Does Ghosts serve a public health function by raising awareness of venereal disease, or does it risk spreading misinformation or moral panic?

For Ibsen:

• Do you bear any responsibility for how audiences might react to the play?
• Would you be willing to make any edits or compromises to allow the play to be performed?

For Bøgh:

• Is it ever beneficial for audiences to confront disturbing moral dilemmas in fiction?
• Would banning Ghosts set a dangerous precedent for future theatre productions in Christiania?

For Lindberg:

• What would you say to critics who argue that the play is too bleak or shocking for public performance?
• Could the same themes be explored in a less controversial way? Why / why not?

For Bull:

• Does the play risk sensationalizing or stigmatizing people with venereal disease?
• Could a more didactic or medical approach be a better way to educate the public?

Henrik Ibsen - Brief

• Why did you write about taboo topics such as venereal disease, illegitimacy, and euthanasia?
• What messages are you trying to convey about morality and hypocrisy?
• Ludvig Josephson, the head of one of Stockholm's leading theatres, has called Ghosts "one of the filthiest things ever written in Scandinavia". How do you respond?
• Do you believe theatre has a duty to reflect reality, even if that reality is unpleasant?

During the meeting, the committee will ask further questions - see their brief above. You may want to prepare for these.

Erik Bøgh - Brief (see brief biographical details here)

You are the literary adviser to the Royal Danish Theatre, and have a conservative attitude to literature and culture. You have already rejected Ghosts for performance in Copenhagen.

In advance of the meeting, you should prepare notes for a five-minute statement in response to the question: "How does Ghosts challenge moral and social values, and what potential harm could it cause to audiences?"
Some points to consider:

• How does Ghosts depict religion and morality? Is its representation fair or misleading?
• What messages does the play send about marriage, family, and duty?
• Could it undermine faith or respect for religious and social institutions?
• What risks does it pose to impressionable audiences?
• Are there any redeeming aspects to the play, or should it be banned outright?

August Lindberg - Brief (see brief biographical details here)

You are a liberally minded actor-director from Sweden, and an admirer of Ibsen's work. You are thinking of touring your own production of Ghosts in the future.

In advance of the meeting, you should prepare notes for a five-minute statement in response to the question: "Why should Ghosts be staged despite its controversial themes, and what artistic or social value does it provide to audiences?"
Some points to consider:

• What artistic qualities make Ghosts a valuable work?
• How does the play fit within (or challenge) the tradition of realism in theatre?
• What is the audience's role in interpreting and responding to controversial works?
• Should theater provoke, educate, or entertain? Can it do all three?
• How would you respond to concerns that the play could corrupt or disturb audiences?

During the meeting, the committee will ask further questions - see their brief above. You may want to prepare for these.

Edvard Bull - Brief (see brief biographical details here)

You are a Norwegian physician, and the current editor of the Norsk Magazin for Lægevidenskaben, the journal of the Norwegian Medical Society. You have been invited to provide a medical perspective on the issues under discussion.

In advance of the meeting, you should prepare notes for a five-minute statement in response to the question: "Does Ghosts serve a public health function by raising awareness of venereal disease, or does it risk spreading misinformation or moral panic?"
Some points to consider:

• How accurately does Ghosts portray the consequences of venereal disease?
• Could the play raise awareness and encourage prevention, or does it risk misinformation?
• How does it portray hereditary illness and medical ethics?
• Could the play have a public health benefit by exposing the dangers of hidden immorality?
• Should medical issues be addressed through drama, or is this an inappropriate medium?