An Inconvenient Truth at Timeline Theatre

Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People is a masterpiece in any era.  It speaks truth to power and outlines how society corrupts itself for convenience and cash.  The production now on and already extended at Timeline Theatre, opening their beautiful new theatre on Broadway with a bang, uses Amy Herzog's new translation which won the best revival Tony in 2024.  In the hands of gifted director Ron OJ Parson, this period piece (set in late 1800’s in a small town in Norway) is absolutely ripped from our American headlines. Timeline helps us see the connections with right now Chicago with their signature lobby display– get there early or stay late to digest the whole thing.   There are also three post show discussions (5/21,5/24, 5/27)

Will Allan’s Dr Thomas Stockmann is a devoted physician and believes in the goodness of people and he undergoes an utter transformation from idealist to steely whistleblower at great personal cost. His politically savvy brother,played deftly by Behzad Dabu, lacks any moral compass beyond profit. Campbell Krausen’s Petra Stockman revels in the strong female character Ibsen was so adept at revealing. The ensemble skillfully creates the small town where everyone knows everyone’s business and everyone is related somehow to one another. Betrayal here is more devastating. 

If somehow you do not know this play: a small town doctor discovers his employer’s newly opened health resort with natural baths has contaminated water before anyone understands the concept of bacteria. He tries to warn the community and is basically run out of town on a rail by the outraged power brokers fearing economic collapse. It is a profit before people tale and the audience will be enlisted as townsfolk.  

Scenic supervisor James Dolittle has created an ingenious set that deconstructs itself in the mob violence meant to suppress the good doctor. 

This is a signature production of this masterpiece and it will ask you how far would you go to do the right thing?  Don’t miss it.  

An Enemy of the People is playing Wednesdays through Sundays at the Timeline Theatre, 5035 North Broadway in Chicago through June 14.  For tickets and information go to https://timelinetheatre.com/events/enemy-people/

The gorgeous new space in one of my favorite neighborhoods has validated parking next door, a cafe and bar and is worth a visit just to check it out.  In these tough times it is wonderful to celebrate a new theatre space. 

For more reviews go to https://www.theatreinchicago.com/