Student performers and faculty transported Henrik Ibsen’sclassic tale of truth and integrity to a modern political climate.
Zachary Bell
Managing Editor
Photo by David Hensley
Student performers mid-scene of “An Enemy of the People”
This past week, Winthrop’s theatre department wrapped up its performance of “An Enemy of the People.” During its five-day run, audiences were treated to a dramatic story that examines the conflict between integrity, authority and truth.
Henrik Ibsen wrote “An Enemy of the People” in the 19th century. It follows Dr. Stockmann, a small town medical officer who works at the recently opened spa. After Stockmann discovers that bacteria have contaminated the spa, he makes a plan to publish his report in the newspaper.
Aidan Tibbitt, a senior theatre education major, played Dr. Stockmann. He described what makes Dr. Stockmann a powerful and relevant protagonist for viewers.
“Throughout the play, you see this character so desperately trying to just tell the truth, and at so many different points being barred from doing so,” Tibbitt said. “I just think that’s something that people can emotionally connect to, because everyone’s trying to speak their own truth at some point or another.”
For Tibbitt, performing on the stage is more than just about entertaining an audience. “A piece like this just has so much to say. I really like to challenge people with the theater I do. I think if you go to see a piece of theater and you don’t leave questioning a previously held belief you did not go see something that was worth seeing. And I think that this definitely does that.”
Rachel Dawson, an instructor of musical theatre, acting and directing, directed the production. She has worked at Winthrop since August 2022. During her time at Winthrop, she has directed “Pippin,” “Noises Off” and “Into the Woods.”
According to Dawson, Winthrop’s faculty chooses plays that expose students to a wide range of styles and genres. “In recent years, we had not staged a work rooted in Modern Realism, so we identified ‘An Enemy of the People’ as an opportunity to do this.”
Dawson went on to say that Ibsen’s play remains highly relevant to contemporary society. “[It is] both an academically enriching and timely production.” She said, “On a personal level, it has been deeply fulfilling to share my appreciation of his writing while guiding students through the complexities and enduring relevance of his themes.”
Two other cast members shared their experiences with “An Enemy of the People.”
Cara Cole is a senior acting major who played Dr. Stockmann’s wife, Katherine. For Cole, putting on “An Enemy of the People” meant performing a realistic and political story that stands out against the musicals and comedies audiences are comfortable with.
“Allowing people to experience a play that is more in a Realism setting is very important, and especially one that deals with heavy topics as this one does,” Cole said. “I think people should experience a well rounded theater experience.”
Cole captured the play’s themes with three words: “Truth, corruption and hope.”
“This play means a lot to me,” Cole said. “It has shown me what fulfills me as a performer, which is something I was really searching for as I’m about to graduate.”
Riley Suthard is a junior theatre major with a concentration in musical theater. She played Petra Stockmann, the daughter of Dr. Stockmann and Katherine.
Suthard shared her passion for performing. “As an actress, one of the best things that I can do is give a character a voice and let them say what they need to say,” she said. “Being that voice for them is very special to me, because they’re able to share their stories, or this playwright is able to get across what they want to get across.”
Suthard went on to emphasize the importance of theatre. “I think theater is a really great opportunity in general for people to see things that may make them uncomfortable.”
According to her, “An Enemy of the People” expresses a powerful message about truth that resonates in today’s political climate.
“I think it’s important that we as people understand that it’s important that we stand up for what we believe, and that we persevere and speak our message that we need to speak.”
Suthard continued by encouraging students to support theatre. “It is so important, and it is so special to me and so many people in Johnson and people who don’t even pursue theater and also embrace the uncomfortability.”
