PORT TOWNSEND — Ego, fear and the public good clash on stage in Key City Public Theatre’s production of Henrik Ibsen’s classic “An Enemy of the People,” starting with a preview performance Thursday.
The play will run Thursdays through Sundays for three weekends through April 22 at KCPT’s Playhouse at 419 Washington St. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets are $20 Thursdays and Sundays and $24 Fridays and Saturdays. They are available online at www.keycitypublictheatre.org or by phone at 360-385-5278 (KCPT).
Pay-what-you-wish performances are April 9 and 13. For other reduced-cost viewing opportunities, inquire at the box office.
The play marks the culminating directorial effort of KCPT’s artistic apprentice, Connor Zaft, who previously directed both “4,000 Miles” and “Shipwrecked, an Entertainment!” in 2016.
“Enemy” is a play that has 250 years of history behind it.
When Dr. Stockmann discovers that the “healing baths” his town and his family have become economically reliant on contain life-threatening toxins, he makes it his mission to bring this truth to light. In so doing, he threatens the downfall of the community.
His ego blinds him, just as the fear of ruination blinds his community. They clash over what facts matter in this delicate situation.
The play is a masterful look at the human condition through Ibsen’s preferred lens of realism, one that ponders the nature of truth, pride and the fearful instincts of the mob, organizers said.
Written in 1882 in response to the public backlash against his earlier play, “Ghosts,” “Enemy” represents a drastic expansion in scope from his previous works, taking controversy and notoriety and making them central themes, not just in small households but in an entire community.
The play has seen many adaptations around the globe. The most prominent in America was Arthur Miller’s 1950 adaptation, produced at New York’s Broadhurst Theatre.
John Clark returns to KCPT as Dr. Stockmann, having previously starred in 2015’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep.”
Fresh from performances in PlayFest 21, Michelle Hensel and Rosaletta Curry are Dr. Stockmann’s wife, Katherine, and Petra, their daughter, respectively. Young brothers Jack and Sam Slater, previously seen in 2014’s “A Christmas Story,” are the doctor’s young sons, Eleif and Morten. Hewitt Brooks is Peter, the doctor’s elder brother, and the mayor.
Crystal Eisele and Mark Valentine are newspaper editors Hovstad and Billing, with Sam Cavallero performing as Aslaksen, their publisher. Lawrison Driscoll is Morten Kiil, the Tanner. A Clallam County favorite, Ron Graham, is Captain Horster.
The play is supported by Playwright for Playwright. KCPT’s season sponsors are Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar and SOS Printing. Pay-what-you-wish performances are funded by the Port Townsend Arts Commission.
