An Enemy of the People

Henrik Ibsen’s plays have always caused a stir, controversial in his lifetime and just as rebellious to this day. An Enemy of the People is no exception, a brilliant piece of classic theatre with a message that resonates just as strongly today. The plot? When Dr. Stockmann, played by Matt Smith of Doctor Who and The Crown fame, makes a worrying discovery about the waters in his local baths, heralded as having healing powers, the future of the town is in jeopardy. But the people with the most to lose refuse to believe him, and the resulting fight goes a lot further than contaminated water.

This version of the 1882 play has been adapted by Thomas Ostermeier and Florian Borchmeyer, conceived and directed by Ostermeier. It’s the first English language production of his critically acclaimed version, adapted numerous times for stage and screen, and Ibsen’s infamous zeal for the truth shines down the decades. With climate change on the rampage and those who profit from it in denial, this play is as impactful and relevant as ever.