Theatre Fairfield launches 2012-2013 season with "An Enemy of the People" | Press Releases

October 31, 2012 - November 5, 2012
Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

Fairfield University's resident production company, Theatre Fairfield , opens its 2012-2013 theatrical season with the political drama "An Enemy of the People," by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Richard Nelson, with performances taking place October 31 through November 3 at 8 p.m., November 3 and 4 at 2 p.m., and Monday, November 5 at 8 p.m. at the Wien Black Box Theatre at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts . Post-show talkbacks will follow the Thursday and Friday evening performances. Performances are open to the public and tickets are $12 general admission, $6 seniors and University staff, and $5 students. For information, call the Quick Center Box Office at: (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.

"An Enemy of the People" explores what happens when a doctor discovers the town's water supply is polluted, and he believes that his findings will turn him into a hero. Instead, local businessmen, politicians, and family turn against him in an attempt to silence him. It was written by Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906), a major 19th-century Norwegian playwright, known for such works as "A Doll's House," and "Hedda Gabler."Ibsen became known as a playwright who wasn't afraid to write realistic pieces for the theatre. He shocked the world with his writings, and his "scandalous" plays look behind the façade, to reveal the truth. In "An Enemy of the People," Ibsen invites us to look at the flaws in the political system. The play was not only relevant when it was written in 1882, but it is still resonant in the present day.

"An Enemy of the People" is directed by Tom Schwans, a guest artist returning to Theatre Fairfield after directing "Almost, Maine"in the fall of 2010. The cast consists of Ryan Champlin '16 (Dr. Stockmann), Josh Matteo '13 (Peter Stockmann), Ashley Ruggiero '14 (Katherine Stockmann), Margret Greene '15 (Petra Stockmann), Michael Maio '13 (Morten Kiil), Brendan Freeman '15 (Hovstad), Lauren Sippen '13 (Billing), Franco Luzzi '15 (Aslaksen), Owen Corey '14 (Captain Horster), and an ensemble that includes: LeighAnn Albanese '14, Alec Bandzes '15, Mary Corigliano '14, Alex Mongillo '16, Patrick Phillips '16, and Joe Plouffe '13.

"What happens when the truth is in direct conflict with the will of the people?" asks director Tom Schwans. "That's really what this play is about. And this piece has what all great drama needs, it has humor, it has comedy, it's personal, and it's passionate. Above all it's about pollution, and what happens when the truth itself becomes polluted. Where do we go from there?"

The design team for "An Enemy of the People" features scenic design by Fairfield alumni James Burns Jr., lighting design by Lynne Chase, and costume design by Julie Leavitt. The show is stage managed by Katie Premus ‘15 and assisted by Jenny Dressel '15.

Theatre Fairfield's production of "An Enemy of the People" is presented in conjunction with the University's themed Cities project. The project has been designed to highlight and promote interdisciplinary learning via a campus-wide conversation, and bring attention to community issues, even here in Fairfield.

"Think about the Mill River Project, and all the clean up efforts going on right here in Fairfield," said Schwans. "This play fits perfectly in a community that is trying to fix their own problem."

Theatre Fairfield's season continues with performances throughout the year. "Director's Cut,"two evenings of 10 minute one-acts, features pieces directed by the students of the Theater Program and plays December 6, 8, and 9, 2012, at the PepsiCo Theatre.

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com

Image: Director Tom Schwans (pictured, far right) listens as the cast of "An Enemy of the People" does a read-through in preparation for the upcoming Theatre Fairfield production.