This is a riveting interpretation of Ibsen's explosive play with acerbic and satirical humour and accessible, relevant political commentary.―Melbourne Herald Sun

Ostermeier, the most important theater director of his generation, has found what was in Ibsen and amplified it to deafening volume. ―New Republic

A fight for justice intertwining courage and solitude, a striking performance critiquing society and morality.

Directed by Thomas Ostermeier, adapted from the play An Enemy of the People by Henrik Johan Ibsen, the father of modern drama from Norway, this production premiered at the Avignon Festival in 2012 by the Schaubühne Berlin. It has since toured over 30 countries, including Germany, France, England, and Spain.

The tale begins with Dr. Stockmann, who discovers that the town’s water source is contaminated by a local factory. Determined to publish the truth in the newspaper and demand the government to replace the pipelines, he faces opposition from his brother, the mayor, who fears this revelation will devastate the town’s economy. The citizens and media, initially in support of Stockmann, quickly turn against him and form a united front to suppress the truth. Undeterred, Stockmann insists on exposing the truth, leading to a fierce conflict with the entire town, ultimately branding him as an enemy of the people.

Ibsen breathes life into his characters, their vivid portrayals capturing the complexities of human nature. Ostermeier powerfully brings this challenging and conflict-laden world to the stage, posing brutal questions about the state of society. As the audience journeys through the characters’ struggles, they too experience turmoil, reflection, and growth.

An Enemy of the People
by Henrik Ibsen（1828-1906）

Henrik Johan Ibsen was born in Norway and is widely regarded as the father of modern drama due to his profound and far-reaching influence on its development. He often drew inspiration from the underlying realities of contemporary society, crafting “problem plays” that boldly exposed the harsh truths behind social and familial conflicts. These plays frequently addressed issues the public was unwilling to confront, leading many of his works to be considered scandalous at the time. His classic works include A Doll's House, Ghosts, and An Enemy of the People.

Director/ Thomas Ostermeier

One of the most renowned contemporary European theater directors, Thomas Ostermeier has served as the Artistic Director of the Schaubühne Berliner since 1999. In 2000, he founded the Festival International New Drama. His notable recent directorial works include An Enemy of the People (2012), Richard III (2015), History of Violence (2018), and Chekhov's The Seagull (2023). Ostermeier has received numerous awards, with his works being selected for the Theatertreffen in Berlin up to six times. In 2009, he was honored with the Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture, and promoted to the highest rank of Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2015. In 2011, he received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale, and was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2018.

Director/ Thomas Ostermeier
Stage Design/ Jan Pappelbaum
Costume Design/ Nina Wetzel
Music/ Malte Beckenbach, Daniel Freitag
Dramaturgy/ Florian Borchmeyer
Lighting Design/ Erich Schneider
Wall-painting/ Katharina Ziemke
Performer/ Christoph Gawenda, Konrad Singer, Genija Rykova, Renato Schuch, David Ruland, Moritz Gottwald, Thomas Bading