Dachary Vann and Alex Glover Photo courtesy of Broken Chain

Henrik Ibsen is considered one of the world's pre-eminent writers of the 19th century and is often called the father of modern drama. This Norwegian is a frequently performed dramatist, perhaps second only to Shakespeare. His major works include Brand, Peer Gynt, Emperor and Galilean, A Doll's House, Ghosts, An Enemy of the People, The Wild Duck, Rosmersholm, Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder, and When We Dead Awaken. He pioneered theatrical realism but also wrote lyrical works.

An Enemy of the People is one of his most performed works. It is a powerful exploration of truth, power, and public responsibility and is as relevant today as in the 19th century. Director Kendra Rickert asks the audience to consider uncomfortable questions related to speaking up and doing the right thing. The people of a small village deal with the contamination of their public baths. Where does the public good supersede the need to have a thriving economy? Using the translation of Rolf Fjelde, Rickert presents the originally five-act play in two acts with a running time of two and a half hours. The pace is brisk and the copious dialogue is handled smoothly.

Casting a show well is perhaps the most important aspect of a stage director's work. Here, Kendra Rickert has made some exceptionally good choices. The lone woman character is Petra Stockman, played here by Rachel Foster. Rachel can be counted on to deliver a solid performance and she anchors this production with her reactions. Dr. Thomas Stockman, the idealistic protagonist, is played by Ryil Adamson with a mix of messianic zeal and naivete that propels the play forward. His brother, Mayor Peter Stockmann, is played by Matt Andrade as a self-serving, arrogant leader of the community. Their several fast-paced arguments/discussions are well done.

All the other male roles represent various members of the community and their interest in making the public baths safe. As they weigh the costs to their reputation and financial interests, everyone's self-interest is revealed. Alex Glover as Hovstad, the journalist, is excellent. His hypocrisy is revealed cleverly. His assistant, Billing, played by Dachary Vann, is equally transparent and adds a comedic element. Yannig Morin represents the middle-class merchants of the village; his performance is well modulated, one might even say moderate.

Arthur Kingsley plays Captain Horster, the lone supporter of Thomas Stockmann and his family. His low key, nice guy is welcome in the sea of vipers surrounding the family. Mike Kimmel plays the grandfather of the Stockmanns with a curious and sneaky demeanor. The townspeople in the later scene were well chosen and lightened the tense atmosphere.

All the physical aspects of the production are executed well. The set by Emma Ziegler presents all the necessary playing areas, though the newspaper office on the side was a bit under designed. The costumes are generic modern dress with suggestions for character and time. Erin Brayton has chosen well. Riley Lewis' lighting design is appropriate, as always.

In short, this excellent production of An Enemy of the People is not to be missed. Director Rickert has blown the cobwebs off of this historic play and made it even more relevant than Ibsen's original. This thought-provoking play will enlighten and entertain. A classic play is a classic because it continues to have something to say through the ages.

An Enemy of the People runs through March 8, 2026, at The Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm. Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. General Admission tickets are $26.00, Discounted tickets are $21.00. For tickets and information, please visit www.vortexabq.org or call 505-247-8600.

Directed by Kendra Rickert, Set Designer-Emma Ziegler, Lighting Designer-Riley Lewis, Costume Designer-Erin Brayton, Stage Manager/Assistant Director-Kate Eade.,

The Cast: Ryil Adamson, Matt Andrade, Rachel Foster, Alex Glover, Yannig Morin, Mike Kimmel, Arthur Kingsley, Dachary Vann, Cali Alexander, Lane B., Ashley Deleona, Neil Faulconbridge, Joe Mangles, Kathleen Welker.