Written in 1882 by Norwegian Playwright Henrik Ibsen, "An Enemy of the People" portrays what happens when individual beliefs are compromised by society.
“In a day when a student faces daily challenges to their integrity by a society that values profit over prophet, 'An Enemy of the People' offers a valuable lesson for our students: they must be more concerned for the welfare of their souls," the Drama Club said in a statement "By living a life that honors truth - even if it means standing alone against a tide of injustice – they will secure their sense of personal dignity.”
In "An Enemy of the People," Doctor Thomas Stockmann is a popular citizen of a small coastal town in Norway. The town has invested a large amount of public and private money towards the development of baths as a tourism boost, a project led by Stockmann and his brother, who is the mayor.
Just when the project is gaining popularity, Stockmann discovers that waste products from the town's tannery are contaminating the waters, causing serious illness to people. However, when he tries to relay his discovery to local authorities, they refuse to publicly acknowledge the problem or address it. The lesson of the story is that, in matters of right and wrong, the individual is superior to the multitude.
More than 40 students will join the cast of this drama, including Chris Guzman of White Plains, who will play Dr. Stockmann; Sarah Rossman of Rye, as his wife, Katherine, and Nick Tabio of Croton-on-Hudson as the mayor. Other cast members include: Jennifer Anderson of Yonkers, Kevin Ulrich of White Plains, and Joseph DeSanctis of Ossining.
Performances will be Nov. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Major Bowes Auditorium at Stepinac.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children under 12 and can be purchased by calling (914)946-4800 ext. 200. For more information go to the Stepinac High School website or email theatre@stepinac.org.