The UA department of theatre and dance will perform the classic play “An Enemy of the People” Monday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Oct. 10, in the Gallaway Theatre in Rowand-Johnson Hall.
“An Enemy of the People,” which was written by Henrik Ibsen and adapted by Christopher Hampton, tells the story of a doctor who finds contaminated water in a coastal town dependent on tourism.
“I think this play is still very relevant,” said Matt Lewis, who plays the lead character, Dr. Thomas Stockmann. “It’s a family standing up for what they feel to be true. I think this is a really important story that needs to be told. It’s very relevant to today’s social and political climate.”
In the play, Stockmann discovers the waters of this tourist attraction are making the visitors sick. The town mayor, who is Stockmann’s sister, and most of the townspeople fear for their financial well-being and resist Stockmann’s attempts to remedy the situation, making it a struggle of one man and his family against the entire town.
“In our English and theatre classes, we study Ibsen,” said David Bolus, who plays Aslaksen, a publisher. “I’d never seen or been in an Ibsen show before, but to have a show that details his political and social outlook … it’s amazing to see those two things come together.
“The political universe gets turned on its head at the end. It reorganizes what you think you’ve been fighting about.”
“It’s a message people haven’t heard before, and I can’t wait,” said Caroline Schmidt, who plays Billing, a sub-editor. “That’s what’s so great about it. It’s impacting, but within that, you find comedy.”
“This is a type of role I’ve never had to play before,” said Bobby Becher, who plays the role of Hovstad, editor of the town’s newspaper. “Even though I may not be the most liked, it’s something that everyone will be able to relate to.”
“An Enemy of the People” is directed by Seth Panitch, one of the faculty directors and head of the bachelors and masters of fine arts acting programs at the University.
“When you’re an actor, it’s a great experience to see it alive on stage,” said Alexandra Ficken, who plays Dr. Stockmann’s daughter Petra. “With lights and costumes, it’s just a world you get to experience. It’s fun because we work so hard and now we get to bring the audience in to enjoy our world.
“The characters are what is so great about this show. The audience can’t help but fall in love with them.”
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 9. On Sunday, Oct. 10, there will be a matinee performance at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased on the UA tickets website, ua.tix.com. A direct link to the tickets can be found on the department of theatre and dance’s website, theatre.ua.edu.
Tickets also can be purchased from the department of theatre and dance box office in Rowand-Johnson Hall by calling (205)-348-3400. The box office is open from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for faculty, staff and senior citizens, and $12 for students. There is also a discount available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, visit theatre.ua.edu.
If You Go
What: “An Enemy of the People”
Where: Gallaway Theatre of Rowand-Johnson Hall
When: Monday, Oct. 4 – Saturday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.
Cost: $12 for students, $18 for adults, $15 for faculty, staff and senior citizens
