Du 18 novembre au 9 décembre 2007

The Enemy of the People

Texte de Henrik Ibsen
Adaptation par Arthur Miller
Mise en scène par Miles Potter

Dans An Enemy of the People, le Dr Stockman met au jour la pollution qui affecte les eaux d’un spa et menace la santé de ses clients. Plutôt que d’être l’objet de la reconnaissance des gens, il est ridiculisé et accusé d’être un lunatique et un « ennemi du peuple ». Il s’agit de l’histoire d’un homme qui sacrifie tout – sa position sociale, sa richesse, la sécurité de sa famille et la sienne – afin que la vérité triomphe. L’adaptation d’Arthur Miller, écrite pendant la chasse aux sorcières de l’époque McCarthy, intensifie les principes d’Ibsen. Le Dr Stockmann déclare : « Mais souvenez-vous maintenant, chacun de vous, que vous luttez pour la vérité, et c’est pourquoi vous êtes seuls. Et cela vous rend forts. »

Une création du Théâtre Leanor & Alvin Segal

Théâtre Leanor & Alvin Segal (Saidye-Bronfman)
5170, chemin de la Côte-Ste-Catherine
Billetterie : 514-739-7944

 

Sunday-@-the-Segal

Don't miss the always-interesting Sunday-@-the-Segal for the upcoming production, Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, as we welcome Peter Hinton, Artistic Director of the National Arts Centre. Having directed Ibsen’s A Doll House for the 2005 – 06 Segal theatre season, Mr. Hinton will be sharing his formidable knowledge of the playwright and his provocative play, An Enemy of the People, so topical at this time as it deals with environmental issues and political cover-ups. 

Peter Hinton, Artistic Director, English Theatre for the National Arts Centre, is one of Canada’s most respected playwrights, directors and dramaturges.  During his distinguished twenty-year career, he has been a driving force with such esteemed organizations as the Stratford Festival of Canada, Theatre Passe Muraille, Canadian Stage Company and Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal.

Sunday, November 18, 2007, 11 AM

Coffee and refreshments will be served in the lobby afterwards

At the Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre, 5170 Cote Ste. Catherine Rd.

FREE ADMISSION!! No reservations necessary, general admission

 

review by Geneviève Germain

In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act
- George Orwell

Written in 1882 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen (A Doll’s House, among others), An Enemy of the People was later adapted to more contemporary times by Arthur Miller. Raising questions about political cover-up while environmental issues are at stake, the play still strikes us as being anchored into present-day reality. When a man discovers that the flourishing business that has brought his little municipality back to life may be poisoning not only the clients that are coming but also the people that live there, he decides to tell the truth. But sometimes, it seems, truth is very hard to handle…

When town Doctor Thomas Stockman sent samples of water to a Chicago laboratory, he thought he was doing his duty. Shocked but also pleased to find out that his suspicions were right about the fowled water, he rushes to tell all about his discovery. At first, the local newspaper is pleased by the great turmoil this might bring. That is until the town Mayor, Peter Stockman, who also happens to be the doctor’s brother, finds out about the news and emphasizes about how much this might cost to the city, not only in terms of reputation but also of money. For the town’s water system to be revised, there will be a need of more taxes, and also it will ruin the local Spa that brought great business to the town. Thomas Stockman is then faced with all his allies turning against him. He holds on to the truth, and fights for it, putting him and his family in a very awkward position.

In the heart of this great turmoil, Rick Reid as Dr. Stockman delivers a great performance as we can feel his character’s troubled emotions, showing courage while everyone is against him but also giving place to doubt while many try to bribe him into silence. However, the play’s most intense moments occur when William Vickers (Mayor Peter Stockman) is on-stage, confronting others with undeniable political strength, crushing his adversary with his charisma and power of persuasion.

Directed by Miles Potter, An Enemy of the People builds an oppressive atmosphere, as we wonder what ourselves we would choose if put in such a situation. Filled with solid dialogues and political action, it accurately depicts what being alone against all the others much feel like, and how general thinking sometimes goes against any pure logic understanding. Helped by a talented cast, the play truly comes out as an outstanding entertaining act.

28-11-2007