Press Release: 2nd Wednesday Theater Presents “An Enemy of the People” at Cotuit Center for the Arts

Cotuit Center for the Arts’ 2nd Wednesday Theater presents a staged reading of “An Enemy of the People” by Henrik Ibsen on Wednesday, October 10, at 7:30 PM. Robert Bock directs.

In Ibsen’s explosive play, which was written in 1882, Dr. Stockmann attempts to alert the mayor (his brother), the newspapers, and the community about the contamination of the water in the town’s spa. The mayor does not want the information made public because the seaside community depends on spa-going tourists for its economic security. The newspapers are initially eager to tell the story as a way of exposing corruption in local government.

After the mayor conspires with local politicians and newspapers to suppress the information, Dr. Stockmann attempts to tell the story himself at a town meeting, where is shouted down and reviled as “an enemy of the people.”

“The play deals with the voice of the minority set against the desires of the majority and the price that is paid in the struggle,” said Bock. “The theme may sound very familiar to many Cape Codders and to Flint, Michigan, residents. Does the doctor speak out and risk plunging the town into an economic depression or remain silent, as many in the town wish, and allow the economic recovery to continue?”

One of the world’s greatest dramatists, Ibsen has been called the father of the modern drama for his emphasis on realism. He wrote “An Enemy of the People” in response to public criticism of his play, “Ghosts,” which discussed such forbidden topics as sex outside of marriage and syphilis.

The cast features Peter Cook and Cleo Zani as Dr. Thomas Stockman and his brother, Peter Stockmann, the mayor. Also appearing are Vana P. Trudeau, Emma Fitzpatrick, Steve Ross, Pup Gould, Bud Hammond, Chick Gifford, and Garry Mitchell.

Second Wednesday Theater is a monthly play-reading series of rarely performed classics, undiscovered gems, and exciting new works. Admission is free, and wine is available for $5 a glass.

Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information, visit artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

# # #

What:

2^nd Wednesday Theater presents “An Enemy of the People,” by Henrik Ibsen

Where:

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When:

Wednesday, October 10, 7:30 PM

Admission:

Free

END