Performing Arts Department
Past Performances
2004-2005
High School Advanced Act An Enemy of the People
An adaptation of the play by Henrik Ibsen
by Arthur Miller
"If we don't stand for something, we may fall for anything."
-Malcolm X
In a world where fear has become a powerful weapon, it has become much harder to protect the rights we take for granted. Our psychological need to feel safe often overrides our more intellectual needs like free speech. How safe can we feel if we can't honestly speak our mind?
The character of Dr. Thomas Stockmann presents us with a starting point for discussion. He is our protagonist. He sees a wrong that needs to be corrected and sets out to do just that. On his path, he is presented with many other options to resolve the crisis, yet he continues on course he set. He is a man who sticks to his convictions, and is willing to sacrifice everything in order to stick to those convictions, but does he make the right choice?
The Advanced Actors' first discussions of the play centered on this very thought. It's safe to say that there continue to be, to this day, vastly differing perspectives on the actions of the people of Kirsten Springs. These differences have created a very compelling interpretation of Ibsen's characters. It is not easy finding a person's voice when they very rarely say what they mean, but these players have risen to the challenge.
Here's hoping the dialogue they've started continues after the lights go down.
D. Chapman
March 9, 10 & 11, 2005
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