Jon Olav Fosse is a highly acclaimed literary fiction author, poet, playwright, and translator from Norway. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023 for his inventive prose and plays that give voice to things that most people lack the words to say. Fosse was born in Haugesund, Norway, and currently resides in Bergen. He has been contributing significantly to the world of literature since his debut in 1983 with the novel "Raudt, svart" (Red, Black). His works span various genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, children's books, essays, and plays.
Fosse's plays have garnered international recognition, with more than a thousand productions performed and translations into over fifty languages. He is widely regarded as one of the world's greatest contemporary playwrights. In 2007, Fosse was made a chevalier of the Ordre national du Mérite of France, acknowledging his immense contributions to literature. He has also been ranked number 83 on the list of the Top 100 living geniuses by The Daily Telegraph. In 2011, Fosse was granted the Grotten, an honorary residence in Oslo owned by the Norwegian state, for his significant contributions to Norwegian arts and culture. The Grotten is located on the premises of the Royal Palace in the city center of Oslo, and is given as a permanent residence to a person bestowed this honor by the King of Norway.