UK Theatre and Dance to present staged reading of ‘An Enemy of the People’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2025) — The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance will present a staged reading of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “An Enemy of the People,” adapted by Arthur Miller, Feb. 21-22, in the Briggs Theatre, located in the UK College of Fine Arts Building, 465 Rose St. in Lexington.
In a town dependent on tourists visiting its local spa, a doctor discovers that the water is poisoned. Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, known for his iconic play “A Doll’s House,” wrote this 1882 work based on a real incident involving a scientist who was condemned by his community for revealing the scientific truth about contaminated water. American playwright Arthur Miller adapted the play in 1950, between the triumph of “Death of a Salesman” and the writing of “The Crucible.” Miller’s adaptation reflects the climate of the Red Scare and the Joseph McCarthy era, grappling with themes of censorship and blacklisting.
“The play challenges us to consider timeless questions: minority rights versus majority will, environmental truth-telling versus economic opportunity, and morality versus the bottom line,” said Herman Farrell, professor of theater and director of the production. “Here in early 2025, these questions are ripe and relevant once again.”
Farrell noted that the staged reading format allows the audience to experience the play development process, from the first reading to the moments before a full production. “The audience, seeing this diverse, multicultural cast working on this classic play, will bear witness to a rehearsal for resistance,” Farrell said.
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Briggs Theatre.
Tickets are $7 general admission, plus additional fees, and can be purchased at SCFATickets.com or at the Singletary Center for the Arts ticket office by calling 859-257-4929.
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