The 'Enemy of the People' comes to Havre

Havre Daily News staff

Montana Actors' Theatre is opening tonight a presentation of a modern classic.

"'Enemy of the People' by Henrik Ibsen is one of the cornerstones of modern drama," director Grant Olson said. "This play, written in 1882, was the basis for the plot of 'Jaws,' and touches upon many universal themes and problems that we are still encountering today.

The description on the MAT websites says the story is that a small Norwegian town has just begun to win fame and wealth through its medicinal spring waters. Dr. Stockmann, resident physician in charge, discovers that the waters are poisoned. On receiving proof of this, he immediately reports to his associates, but is shocked to find that instead of being thanked, he is looked upon as a dangerous crank, motivated by a desire to prove that his fellow townsmen are wrong, and to bring ruin upon them. As the people who run the local paper do their utmost to urge secrecy and compromise, the determined doctor realizes that the honesty and idealism he has counted upon to make the truth prevail, simply does not exist in the face of selfish "practical" interests. The press will not report his findings; the officials refuse to give him a hearing; he loses his position and the townspeople boycott him; and every weapon of blackmail, slander, and eviction are brought against his family. At the end, the townspeople, gathered around the doctor's home, throw stones through the windows. Stockmann addresses his family: "But remember now, everybody, you are fighting for the truth and that is why you're alone. And that makes you strong."

"Although the play's plot deals with a small town dealing with water problems - a very topical situation for us in Havre -we were actually planning on producing this play for several years now. The themes relating to individualism vs authority and power related to public opinion are topical not only in our community, but to our country at large right now.

This translation by Arthur Mille,  pairs one of America's greatest playwrights with one of the founders of modern theatre to create a very engaging script that is easy to understand and fast-paced with very complex and interesting characters," Olson said, adding that the production features more than 20 actors with a core group of seasoned MAT actors as well as welcoming some new performers to the stage.  

The play opens at Montana State University-Northern's Little Theatre in Cowan Hall tonight with the doors and backstage lounge open at 6:30 and the show starting at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Saturday with shows next week Oct. 24-26.