In 1882 Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen wrote a play called An Enemy of the People which was about a scientist who discovers the water used by spas in the small town he’s living in is contaminated. When he tells people what he knows everyone turns on him, including his own brother.
It’s a really interesting story, but is it relevant 144 years later? You betcha! In an adapted retelling of the story by Aaron Richardson and ably directed by Grace Augustine, Flyleaf Productions has brought this play to life and set it in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand.
Dr Thomas Stockman (Fraser Hoffman) is a scientist working at a local eco-spa in a small town called Te Wai Puia. His wife Katherine (Grace Cullen) is a teacher and his brother Peter (Sam Bunkall) is the mayor. Thomas is friendly, earnest and popular, until he discovers the water has dangerous levels of nitrates and bacteria. Initially some in the town are supportive of Thomas. Indeed Hobson, (Joseph Wycoff), owner of the local paper, wants to publish his findings, and Alison (Sarah Nessia) the head of the Master Plumbers Association, is keen to help as well. His brother, however, does not and starts a campaign against Thomas that brings his whole world crashing down.
This is a very well scripted piece of theatre that starts off somewhat light and funny but slowly becomes more sinister as self-interested people start to manipulate those around them. Exaggerated claims, lies, and character assassination are all used by Peter, in particular, to influence the townspeople and alienate Thomas. Facts are relabelled as ‘opinion’ and fake economic and scientific data are used to further discredit the original findings. Once loyal friends change allegiance as they see advantages in doing so.
The play cleverly shows how people who know better can be persuaded to abandon what they know to be true when faced with economic uncertainty and a distortion of reality. In some ways this is a bleak message about humanity but it does mirror exactly what can happen in the real world. The play doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to showing the baser side of our natures when money and power are threatened by truth.
In one stunning monologue, delivered expertly by Hoffman, our ability to ignore the ugly exploitative side of capitalism when our own livelihoods or comfort are threatened is shockingly exposed.
Yet while this play could be seen as a polemic against greed and manipulation, it is also perhaps a warning of the dangers of holding so explicitly to an ideal that no compromise is possible. Yes, warnings about the risks of environmental damage or any other serious issue are vitally important, but simply browbeating people is not the answer. Would this story have played out differently if Thomas was able to negotiate? Perhaps not, but watching his inability to be flexible or patient is intriguing.
There is one minor point I want to raise about this production and that was the use of background music throughout every scene. For me it was often a distraction, at times quite loud, and ironically diminished some of the most dramatic scenes in the play. Occasional use of music as emphasis is fine and effective. But to have it play constantly throughout was not necessary.
Other than that small critique, this is a well-constructed production that is very well acted and one that made me feel very angry at times at some of the characters and their attitudes. Let’s face it – having a visceral reaction to a play is just what theatre is for, so well done to the team!
Picture credit – Lucie Everett-Brown
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
12-22 August 2026
Q Theatre
