A review of Enemy by Lisa Weaver

Chicago College of Performing Arts
The Theatre Conservatory
Roosevelt University
Fast Track Thesis Production Evaluation

Title of Production An Enemy of the People
Director Eric Decker School John Marshall HS
Please respond to the following on this form or in any format you wish.

Directing
1. Script Selection (appropriate for ability of students and audience; educational value, challenge to director)
I have never seen a high school production of an Ibsen play - this was a very brave choice and also very directorially challenging. The HS kids in the show and in the audience seemed really enthusiastic and I would say this play was appropriate for this school. It was also great to see the play done with a full cast - crowd scenes and all.


2. Casting (characterizations and performances indicative of well chose cast)
Eric chose to switch the genders of some of the main characters which definitely worked since he set the show in contemporary times. These roles are difficult and most of his cast members were up to the challenge. I was there on opening night and I think some of them got carried away with nervous energy and enthusiasm.


3. Interpretation (valid to theme of play, consistent point of view, clear)
The interpretation of the themes of the play was clear, interesting and at times, thrilling to watch. Seeing young actors take on the concepts of integrity; honesty; political machinations; and community and family loyalty was very exciting. It made me see the play in a whole new light.


4. Blocking (stage pictures and movement to reinforce plot, character and relationships)
The choice to make the play more intimate by putting the audience onstage and in the round was great but it did make it hard to hear some of the actors when their backs were to my section of the audience. Directing a show in the round creates difficulties but was a good choice for this play. I really liked seeing the audience members on the other side of the stage and feeling like we were a part of the action. In general, Eric kept the blocking active which worked for the play and also this production in the round.


5. Appropriateness of mood to emotional content of play
I’m not sure what you mean with this question but the mood of the production suited the play in acting and design.


6. Was the director successful in generating ensemble playing and in coaching the students to develop effective characters?
Definitely! I could see these students looking at and listening to each other and playing off each other. The kids who had small parts were just as invested as the leads. They all seemed to know what story they were telling and where the focus should be and they did not seem at all intimidated by the challenging language and themes.


Design:

1. Did the set establish locale, period and mood with effective craftsmanship?
Yes, it was very IKEA - modern Scandinavian. Clean lines and colors and very simple. One element I really liked was this big wall of quotes and art about Ibsen that helped to close off the giant auditorium and make the show more intimate. That’s what you saw as you entered the theatre.


2. Was the set an appropriate environment for the characters and the story?
Yes, the actors seemed very comfortable in the space even with the audience in close proximity! And it worked as a simple backdrop for the larger themes of the play.


3. Did the design effectively utilize the space and the facilities?
Again, I think the choice of setting it in the round and with the audience onstage was a good one. It created some vocal challenges but the play would not have worked in their giant auditorium.


4. Did the lighting enhance the mood, movement and plot development?
I didn’t notice the lighting so much except for a few neat effects – like an overhead fixture lighting before the full lights came up.


5. Did the costumes and makeup support the period, characters and an overall design concept?
The costumes were also very modern Scandinavian which fit with the choice to set the play in contemporary times. A few of them seemed a little ill-fitting and awkward.


6. Were the properties appropriate and effective?
Someone on the props team was very dedicated – right down to the Scandinavian bottled water! There was an awkward bit with an umbrella and some props had to be updated for a contemporary feel but in general, they worked.


Overall Reaction:
I think Eric made compelling choices. From my view, his female actors were much stronger than his male actors and I understand why he switched the main roles from men to women. I think his choice of a contemporary setting made that switch work because it would be hard for an audience to accept turn-of-the-century women in those roles. The one problem I had is that the play hinges on the isolation of the town and the desperate need for the local newspaper to tell Dr. Stockman’s story and to be on her side. When you choose a contemporary setting in this age of information, you beg the question – why doesn’t she just send a mass email?

That said, it was wonderful to see young people grapple with the themes and questions and ideas that Ibsen’s plays contain.

I also want to add that pace is often a problem, both with productions of Ibsen and with high school productions and this show flew by!




Evaluator: Lisa Weaver