An Enemy of the People

Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People

In a new version by REBECCA LENKIEWICZ

from a literal translation by Charlotte Barslund

When Dr Teresa Stockmann discovers the town’s famous spa waters are poisoned, she expects to be congratulated for drawing attention to the fact and averting an environmental catastrophe. Instead, her brother – who also happens to be the local mayor – accuses her of threatening the town’s livelihood. As public and media opinion divides, the community splits into factions.

Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s contemporary take on Henrik Ibsen’s powerful classic drama tackles fake news, whistle-blowers and the corruption of power. With a narrative that explores the timely subjects of tainted water, who can be trusted and who are deemed to be ‘enemies of the people’, it speaks resonantly to issues that concern us today.

“I want to start a revolution against the barefaced lie that truth is monopolised by the majority.”

Directed by Yvette Huddleston

Wharfeside Theatre