Austin Shakespeare has blown us away with a compelling staged reading of “Enemy of the People” by Henrik Ibsen. Featuring an enriching performance by Mark Pellegrino, a beloved actor from two of my favorite pieces of cinema Supernatural and The Big Lebowski, this gripping work speaks on a topic that is as timeless as it is a stark commentary of how today’s world weighs truth and convenience.
Austin Shakespeare, a renowned theatre company based in Austin, Texas, has established itself as a prominent cultural institution in the region. Over the years, they have garnered a reputation for high-quality productions, innovative interpretations, and commitment to artistic excellence. The company has collaborated with various theaters, educational institutions, and community organizations to foster a vivacious and inclusive arts scene in Austin. Austin Shakespeare’s “Enemy of the People” is an example of the company’s keen taste for riveting scripts that leave the audience invigorated and inspired.
Austin Shakespeare’s “Enemy of the People”
“Enemy of the People” follows the story of Dr. Thomas Stockmann, played by Mark Pellegrino, a dedicated scientist who unfurls an appalling discovery. The town’s popular tourist attraction, the Baths, is contaminated by the filth running off the tanning mills. Despite his intentions to expose the truth and protect the public’s health, he faces opposition from the town’s mayor and his very own brother, played by Sam Grimes, as well as other influential figures who prioritize economic interests over the well-being of the community. The play explores themes of truth, corruption, and the struggle between individual conscience and societal pressure.
The two opposing characters being brothers is a poetic testament to the precarious relationship between government and the officials who maneuver the public’s health systems. This nuanced detail is one of the aspects that enhances a powerful message that this production challenges: the interconnectedness between the regulators of the public’s health versus the forces who navigate the public’s best interests. Austin Shakespeare’s “Enemy of the People” opens the door for the audience to beg the question, “how often are these entities at odds?” A member of the audience spoke on how the play greatly reflected her experience working for a state agency in Texas. It reminded her, “…how refreshing it was to be retired because I no longer had to lie to people for my job.”
This particular performance was a staged reading, which means the actors read from their scripts during the performance. A staged reading is especially challenging as the cast had only a few days to review the script, adapt and embody their characters, meticulously assemble their own costumes and then to coordinate their movements – and all mostly over Zoom. Mark Pellegrino had arrived in Austin a mere 3 days before the performances began. Even without ample time and coordination, these spectacular actors rose to meet the expectations, and then sailed on above them. In the Q&A that followed, a number of the audience remarked at how exceptional the performance was even with the scripts being on stage. One audience member stated “I really didn’t feel like I was missing [the props and sets]. [You all] transported us to your world.”
One would think that having the scripts on stage would make life easier. But for actors who are dedicated to their craft and thrive off bestowing engaging performances, it can be a huge hindrance. “When you’re reading it, I think it can make you a little less spontaneous,” Mark admitted. “Sometimes it can bring on some habits of rushing and not really listening as well. You just have to rely on your partner.”
After watching this performance, learning how little time they had to prepare, and hearing their perceptions of their experience, the play became that much more awe-inspiring. In the words of an audience member, “We did not feel like we were robbed of the actual stage and it felt very natural. It felt like you were a family on stage. It [was] fantastic.”
Henrik Ibsen, a renowned Norwegian playwright, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern drama. Ibsen’s plays often portray the constraints of societal norms, the struggle for individual freedom, and the consequences of personal choices. His blatant assertions against the catastrophically flawed systems of his world bare a stark resemblance to the world we see today. Years ago, when Mark Pellegrino saw “Enemy of the People” with his wife, he was inspired to take part in Ibsen’s theatrical revolt against society’s oppressive nature.
“I’ve always responded to his individualism,” Mark said in a Q&A. “His striving for the free thinking person, his struggle against the crowd. Given our social media climate today where if you’re not in any of the tribes that are the loudest and the meanest then you get ostracized, and some fatally ostracized. So I hope that a play like this can encourage people to think for themselves.”
With this thought in mind, Mark suggested the play to Ann Ciccolella, the artistic director for Austin Shakespeare and long-time friend of the Pellegrinos. Though I had not had the opportunity to interview Ann myself, her headstrong and determined nature is distinctly apparent about her, and I take her as a person who would stop at nothing to make a moving, impactful performance a reality.
The road to Austin Shakespeare’s “Enemy of the People” began before the events of 2020 and, in an ironic turn of events, the very subject of the play became a major focus for the entire world. Ann shared this insight after the performance, “We worked together over a period of time just to figure out ‘could we do it’ and so on. It wasn’t like there was some political [movement] that we must do today. But it’s timeliness – you could hear it in the audience.”
Veronica Alvarado Kraemer, the actress who brought Petra to life, spoke on the staggering applicability of the play. “This play was very interesting because it is timeless. It was written a very long time ago, and its themes are only more prevalent now. And I think that though it’s a coincidental time – again, they had this planned for a long time – I think the threads are always woven by something greater.”
One of the most anxiety-inducing moments is when Dr. Stockmann faces the people of the town, shares the truth about the contaminated water, and is met with threats and condemnation. When asked to speak on this daunting subject and its implications, Veronica had a beautiful response.
“[It is] a very necessary conversation to be had now, whether it’s societal or in communities, how people have the opportunities to speak for themselves and how they can be canceled for other people’s ignorance or being uncomfortable. I think that with the availability of the technology [and being] able to see everything in our little black mirror, we’re starting to have conversations [about] health, we’re starting to understand what’s true and what’s not. In politics, it’s showing a lot now. People are starting to see that actually there’s no two sides of the coin – it’s all the same circle. So how can we be present and how can we have conversations that create solutions that get us out of a system [that] doesn’t serve us anymore, at least in the same way as it used to. So I love this place for that.”
Radiopidemic actor Pablo Muñoz-Evers, who played the conflicted editor, had a different and just as insightful perspective of the play and what it means regarding society. He agrees the core of the story to be a statement in favor of speaking your truth, your values, and “having the courage to do so even when it goes against what other people want.” However, he cautions against being opposing for the wrong reason. “I don’t think one needs to go against the majority just for the sake of going against the majority – sometimes the majority is right. Instead, we should strive to be brave enough to think critically and not let the voices of the majority sway us one way or another.”
Austin Shakespeare’s “Enemy of the People” was astonishing for several reasons. It’s complex and riveting subject line, the nature of the performance itself, the intention and time that went in to cultivating this project and the long road it took to make it a reality. Not only was this play was perfectly casted and astoundingly captivating, but it provided the audience with cross roads of thought. By the end, you are left to wonder “who is truly the enemy of the people?” The mayor aims to hide the truth, but firmly believes it is in the greater good of the town. The doctor values honesty and public safety, whether the public is prepared for it or not. The two sides seem to have the same goal: preserving the well-being of the people, however, their methods directly oppose each other. Is honesty always right, or could it possibly be detrimental?
Veronica’s final statements speak on this conundrum. “I’m an actor to be a vessel of the moment. Whenever you go into a theater, you allow the darkness to come down in this moment of suspended belief. It allows you to have a perspective that you and your ordinary life maybe would feel attached to and like this you can just witness things. And whenever we witness, that’s [when] we learn. That’s how we find something that’s truly honest. You see yourself reflected in some of the characters. It’s sometimes surprising to see how much you relate to a character that’s bad just because he’s providing safety.”
The character she’s referring to could be either of the brothers. And in a way, I think that is the point.
The last line of the play is “the strongest man in the world is he who stands alone”. For some, this was an empowering and strengthening statement. Others winced at the thought. As Mark is the one who delivered the powerful line, it’s only right to share his concluding thoughts.
“I think it is a terrifying thing for all of us, but also, the most liberating thing to consider. So I ask all of you to consider it, especially when there’s so much pressure to conform. If you feel pressure to conform, don’t.”
It is too easy to become an enemy of the people in the pursuit of truth. But change is never made by the complacent and quiet. So many people have free reign to share their thoughts and opinions, and it can make standing up for your beliefs seem pointless, trifling or nerve-wracking. There will always be someone to disagree with you, and sometimes you may be wrong. But think about this: if the doctor had kept quiet about The Baths, would he have been able to live with himself? Could you?
Just to solidify the fact that Ibsen was a noble, exalted visionary, it is said that his final words were “on the contrary”, and I can’t help but grin every time I think about it.
Austin Shakespeare’s “Enemy of the People” is an inspiring testament to the unwavering dedication and passion that the production company pours into each of their performances. This compelling production not only showcases the exceptional talent of the cast but also highlights the company’s commitment to delivering thought-provoking and impactful theatrical experiences. Through their meticulous attention to detail and profound understanding of the Ibsen’s voice, Austin Shakespeare has once again demonstrated their ability to create a truly immersive and unforgettable performance. This staged reading serves as a shining example of the heart and artistry that defines the company’s productions, leaving audiences awake and eager for more.
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