The Fourth Walsh

TimeLine Theatre presents the Chicago premiere production of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE.

It’s Norway in the late 1800s. Dr. Thomas Stockmann has received a devastating report. As he suspected, the water at the baths is contaminated and deadly. Despite the pending tourist season, the resort must shut down for two years to reconfigure the water pipes. Although the newspaper is ready to publish the news, the good doctor wants to first inform the resort owner, the mayor and his brother…all the same person. Peter Stockman questions everything… the report, the health warning and his brother’s motives. Both Stockmans want to save the town. They just have very different ideas on how that happens.

Playwright Amy Herzog has dusted off Henrik Ibsen’s political classic. Herzog uses razor-sharp dialogue to showcase the timeless debate between the rich and the poor, the government and the people, and the liberals, moderates and conservatives. She approaches the controversy from every angle. Characters passionately commit to a side and then casually flip flop. Herzog shows humanity for the common good alongside the wolfish ambition to dominate. The conversations are smart often punctuated with humor.   

Director Ron OJ Parsons masterfully orchestrates the storytelling. He draws the baths and turns up the heat! His powerhouse ensemble provide distinct perspectives and personalities. In the leads, Will Allan (doctor) and Behzad Dabu (mayor) wrestle over the epidemic risk within the context of their brotherly love and rivalry. An earnest Allan attempts to convince a calculating Dabu of the serious ramifications. In a pivotal scene, an impassioned Allan addresses the audience as ‘the people’ while the smooth-talking Dabu pulls the strings of his puppets to squash the truth.

The show starts out with an exasperated Campbell Krausen (Petra) waiting on her father’s guests; Charles Andrew Gardener (Horster), Kenneth Hamilton (Billing) and Grayson Kennedy (Hovstad). The camaraderie sets the tone for the drama to transpire.  Although a steadfast Krausen will stay true to her convictions, not all these people will. A temperate Anish Jethmalani (Aslaksen) and caustic David Parkes (Morten) round out the rock solid cast.     

Writing, directing, acting, AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE has it all! On an impressive set by Scenic Designer John Culbert, this theatrical experience is relevant and entertaining. I highly recommend getting a ticket to the inaugural production at Timeline’s new beautiful Uptown home. The actual theater has ample and comfortable seats (with drink holders). The entire space is welcoming and community-focused. The lobby area has several seating arrangements encouraging guests to linger and discuss the show.

Running Time: Two hours and fifteen minutes includes an intermission

At TimeLine Theatre, 5035 N. Broadway

Written by Henrik Ibsen

New adaption by Amy Herzog

Directed by Ron OJ Parsons

Performances are:

Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm

Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm

EXTENDED Thru June 14

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Brett Beiner Photography

For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago