Friday Review: An Enemy of the People

           This spring, I was lucky enough to see a modern adaptation of the play An Enemy of the People. Originally published in 1882 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, this modern adaptation is premiering for a limited time in the Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway, starring Jeremy Strong. Along with Strong, who received numerous accolades for his acting in the television show Succession, the cast also includes Micheal Imperioli, famous for his five-time Emmys-winning performance as Christopher Moltisanti from the Sopranos, and Victoria Pedretti, known for her performance as Love Quinn on Netflix’s popular drama YOU. 
           This star-studded cast did not disappoint; Strong delivered an incredibly moving performance as Dr. Thomas Stockman, a man who has discovered contamination in a small spa town’s bathing facility. Initially, Dr. Stockman believes he will be hailed as the town hero for his discovery that will save lives; however, his brother, who is the mayor, chooses to ignore his discovery, explaining that replacing the contaminated pipes will cost the town an extreme amount of money and lead to a financial disaster. Nevertheless, the righteous Dr. Stockman still pushes for his report to be heard. After a short intermission, the stage  transforms into a bar where guests of age are allowed to head up and buy drinks. This bar provides the perfect podium for Dr. Stockman to deliver a monologue, whereby he pleads with the town to replace the pipes in order to prevent an epidemic. Dr. Stockman’s speech is the crowning moment of the play. He pours his heart into the role, delivering his speech with zeal. However, Dr. Stockman is branded “an enemy of the people,” as his words greatly frighten the townspeople, who dump ice on his head. The people of the town ridicule him, and he loses his job, which forces him to sell his house. The town chooses to ignore his pleas, and as the play ends, Dr. Stockman chooses to remain in the town, working with impoverished clients and homeschooling his son. 
           While watching the play, many in the audience were reminded of the public reaction to Covid-19 and society’s debate regarding which one is more important: economic safety or public health. Though the audience naturally sympathizes with Strong’s character, Imperioli’s performance as the reserved, but crafty, mayor makes the public’s decision to ignore the eccentric and egotistical Dr. Stockman feel realistic. The play does not demonize any of its characters, which is a rare occurrence in modern media that tends to create characters without nuance. Watching the play was the experience of a lifetime—the audience even had the opportunity to meet the actors at the stage door, each of whom took the time to talk to the audience members and even signed their playbills!