“An Enemy of the People” is a 1882 play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, and adapted in 1950 by Arthur Miller, that explores the conflict between personal integrity and societal norms. The play centers on Dr. Thomas Stockmann, who discovers a serious contamination issue in his town's new spas, endangering public health. His courageous decision to expose this truth brings severe backlash from local leaders, including his brother Peter Stockmann, who is a powerful political figure in the town.
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"Who is the enemy?” Revere High School Drama Club Advisor Kray Casper asked the students to consider as they began their exploration of the play. They were encouraged to think about the injustices they see in the world—whether in their community, in politics, at school, at home, or even within themselves. The play, the Kray explained, is about those moments when injustice feels overwhelming—so immense and consuming that it seems nothing can be done. It’s about the feeling of isolation, of being misunderstood, excluded, and trapped in darkness with no way out. Sadly, Kray noted, that sense of hopelessness is not unique; in some way, everyone has felt like an “enemy of the people.”
But the play is also about growth and discovery. It teaches us not to follow the crowd blindly, to look at all the facts before making decisions, and to understand that every story has multiple sides—each deserving to be heard. It reminds us that sometimes, it takes feeling alone to find the courage to stand up for what’s right, and that perseverance is possible even when hope seems lost.
Kray felt it was important to choose a play that would challenge audiences to think about how to make the world a better place. They believe that theatre and art have the power to do just that—whether by entertaining and escape or by provoking thought and difficult questions. As audiences watch the students’ hard work come to life on stage, the director hopes they see reflections of the world we live in today, leave with questions, and continue to wonder deeply about their own role in creating change.