THE ARTS ETC
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PLAYHOUSE ON PARK
PRESENTS
Arthur Miller's
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
15 Performances: October 12 - 30, 2011
REVIEWED BY DEBRA TINKHAM
In 1882, Norwegian-born writer, Henrik Ibsen, wrote An Enemy of the People, and in 1950, American-born Arthur Miller, wrote his adaptation of the same political play. As pointed out by Director Kyle Fabel, last month he said, “… that there’s almost no reason to mention the contemporary relevance of this play. We can look anywhere for examples of Ibsen’s ‘Enemies.’ Why cite a particular episode for inspiration when the audience can easily choose their own parallels? Of course, at that point, we couldn’t know that a week later, ‘The People’ would be occupying Wall Street.”
In the small town of Kirsten Springs, Norway, Scene One opens in Dr. Thomas Stockmann’s (Jeremiah Wiggins) rather affluent, softly-lit living room. Dr. Stockmann’s systematic and scientific evaluations have been confirmed: the town has bacteria in their water system.
Dr. Stockman’s older brother, Peter (Michael McKenzie) is the Mayor of Kirsten Springs. There is no uncertainty in his mind that any mention of bacteria in the water could mean financial ruin for the picturesque little town. However, by maintaining silence, one can look ahead five years to a booming economy, with everyone reaping the rewards of tourism.
Dr. Stockmann’s wife, Catherine (Coleen Sciacca), is a peace-keeping, law abiding citizen. Petra Stockmann (Allison Layman), is the Stockmann’s daughter, a teacher of sixth graders. The family includes two young boys, Morten (Stefan Izydorczak) and Ejlif (Caleb Reynolds).
A town meeting brings out all the doubting Thomases, those of “‘if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it” mentality. Dr. Stockmann continually tries to state his position garner support but to no avail. He isn’t allowed an opportunity to speak.
The good doctor and his family are evicted from their home; Petra is given a two-week notice from her teaching job, and Morten and Ejilf have cuts and bruises after being ousted from their school. When the doctor returns from running after the ruffians, Catherine notices a rip in his slacks. Dr. Stockmann states,“When a man goes out to fight, he shouldn’t wear his best pants.” Rocks are thrown through their windows. They have no friends. They’re losing their identity. The ever-maternal Catherine tries to protect and uphold and make everything better. They stand alone. Good versus evil; David versus Goliath; Jesus versus the angry mobs. Is a single man always the enemy?
Dr. Stockmann asks his friend, Captain Horster (Michael Hanson) to take his family to America. Horster agrees, but later is banned from the boat that would take them to America. The family is bereft.
Director Fabel, stated, “…let us understand that both the words ‘Enemy’ and ‘People’ are ambiguous to say the least, and presume that the irony in Ibsen’s choice of title will not be lost on anyone. With that in mind, with selected quotes from their official statement, I’ll let Occupy Wall Street finish providing our production’s distressingly obvious context: As we gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies…they have purposely covered up oil spills, accidents, faulty bookkeeping, and inactive ingredients in pursuit of profit.”
The acting was exceptional and, for many of the cast, this was their Playhouse on Park debut. The lines and dialogue were impressive; definitely a thought -provoking play.
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TWO PREVIEW PERFORMANCES ON OCTOBER 12 AND 13, 2011
Arthur Miller's adaptation of the Henrik Ibsen classic, An Enemy of the People is a thought-provoking drama that follows Dr. Thomas Stockmann as he makes a troubling discovery about his town's poisonous dealings. With lives and integrity on the line, Stockmann enters a war of words with his estranged mayor-brother that threatens to tear not only their family but their community apart.
Directed by Kyle Fabel, The New York Times raves "...Miller's adaptation is compact, idiomatic, and eminently actable". In a gripping tale prompting the questions: Should the majority always rule and should a righteous man stand up for truth at any cost, Miller proves that the strongest one is often the one who stands alone.
The production's esteemed cast is led by Michael McKenzie as Peter Stockmann (Broadway's Waiting in the Wings, The Man Who Came to Dinner, and Eastern Standard) and Jeremiah Wiggins as Dr. Thomas Stockmann (Off-Broadway's Fly, Good Morning, Bill, An Experiment With An Air Pump, Patriot Acts, and Avow) and supported by Coleen Sciacca as Catherine, Joshua Johnson as Aslaksen, Brock Putnam as Kiil, Allison Layman as Petra, Aaron Barcelo as Hovstad, Nick Pollifrone as Billing, and recent UConn graduate Michael Hanson as Horster.
Director, Fabel, returns to Hartford after recently starring in TheatreWorks' production of Rain.
The play opens officially on Friday October 14th, 2011 at West Hartford's award winning professional theatre, Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford CTTickets range in price from $22.50 - $32.50
Students, Seniors, Let's Go Arts members save $2.50 per ticket and can be purchased in person or over the phone at the box office, Tuesday to Friday (10am - 6pm); Saturday (10am - 2pm)
and 2 hours before curtain
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Preview show tickets are available for $15.00 and subcriptions to all remaining shows in the 2011-12 Main Stage Series can be purchased for less than the cost of a Broadway show! For more information, complete bios, special dining offers, and ticket deals, please visit the website.
www.PlayhouseOnPark.org