A sleepy town in Norway finds a potential gold mine in the form of Kirsten Springs, the public baths founded by Dr. Stockmann (Sashane Perera) and his brother - the Mayor of the town - Peter Stockmann (Rajiv Ponweera). However, just as the baths grow in popularity, the doctor discovers that the water in the bath is contaminated by the local tannery owned by his Father-in-law, Morten Kiil (Sajith Amendra), making many tourists sick pointing at the threat of an impending epidemic.
Dr. Stockmann expects this important discovery to be lauded as his greatest achievement, and initially is heralded a great man by the owner of the People’s Daily Messenger - Aslaksen (Surein Gnanaraj), the Editor - Hovstad (Geethike De Silva), and his assistant Billing (Thiwanka Katipearachchi).
However, the Mayor fails to appreciate the seriousness of the issue and is unwilling to publicly acknowledge and address the problem because it could mean financial ruin for the town. He manages to manipulate the press and influence the people against the doctor. Let down by the majority and betrayed by his ‘friends’, the Doctor only has his wife Catherine (Ashini Fernando), his daughter Petra(Oshadhi Welegama), his two sons Ejlif & Morten (Dinuka Lugoa, Aravinda De Almeida) and his old friend Captain Horster (Vishan Gunewardena): as he is branded a traitor to society; ‘An Enemy of the People’.
The play deals with some pertinent truths on the principles of Democracy, attempting to show that the majority, more often than not, can be easily led by self-advancing demagogues. It also takes a strike at liberalism, showing that people on either side of the spectrum can be equally self advancing, under the guise of public good.
Chamat Arambewela’s first foray as Director in a full-length public performance showcases the upcoming generation of English dramatists in this country. The entire cast consists of young, fresh faced, and yet immensely talented actors and actresses who have excelled in the school theatre arena as well as in private productions. |
