Ein Volksfeind (DE)
What is the potential for openness in a commercialized society? That is the question posed by leading European theatre director Thomas Ostermeier in An Enemy of the People .
Directed by Thomas Ostermeier / Schaubhne Berlin
Dr Stockmann discovers that the source of the city's drinking water and the water for the ‘health spa’ is contaminated. Influential citizens and journalists promise their support of his cause. But his brother Peter, the city judge, has serious objections: The economy of the city is based on the health spa and will be destroyed. The residents will have to bear the burden of the high costs of the repairs. Suddenly the support disappears. But the doctor insists on transparency. For him it's not just about the water – his target is society as a whole. Ibsen's drama is a balancing act between faith and fanaticism. What is the potential for openness in a commercialized society?
Schaubühne Berlin represents a modern, experimental and international theatre process. Countless tours, prizes and awards testify to its artistic success. The core of the repertoire consists of contemporary drama, with more than 90 world premieres and German-language premieres over the last thirteen years.
Director Thomas Ostermeier challenges the audience with his critique of capitalism and Western values. He has staged award-winning productions of Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House (Nora), Hedda Gabler and John Gabriel Borkman. The productions have visited the Ibsen Festival.
"This is an inspired adaptation and interpretation of Ibsen's explosive piece, with dedicated, credible performances from a masterful ensemble, bitter and satirical humor and accessible, relevant political commentary." Herald Sun
"Many years after its first production, Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People has lost very little of its relevance. On the contrary: The piece hits a modern nerve. Thomas Ostermeier has staged a striking amalgam of the despotic financial world, with their manipulations and nepotism and questions about what the truth is in an economically designed world." RBB Inforadio
Produced by: Schaubühne Berlin. Director: Thomas Ostermeier. Adaptation: Florian Borchmeyer.
Cast: Dr Stockmann: Stefan Stern. Member of the City Council: Ingo Hülsmann. Mrs Stockmann: Eva Meckbach. Hovstad: Christoph Gawenda. Aslaksen: David Ruland. Billing: Moritz Gottwald. Morten Kiil: Thomas Bading
Scenography: Jan Pappelbaum. Costumes: Nina Wetzel. Music: Malte Beckenbach and Daniel Freitag. Dramaturg: Florian Borchmeyer. Lighting design: Erich Schneider. Murals: Katharina Ziemke.