The Northwestern College theatre department’s production of “An Enemy of the People” has been selected for presentation at the Region Five American College Theater Festival (ACTF) in Rochester, Minnesota, Jan. 18–24.
Originally written by Henrik Ibsen, “An Enemy of the People” centers on a doctor who discovers that the water in his town’s springs—a major source of income for the community—is dangerously contaminated, forcing him to decide whether defending the truth is worth standing against the majority. The NWC production, staged in April, uses an adaptation by Arthur Miller that underscores the play’s continued relevance.
“Being selected to perform at the American College Theater Festival is a tremendous honor for our theatre program and our students,” says director Molly Wiebe Faber, assistant professor of theatre. “Within our seven-state region, we compete against schools of all sizes, including large state universities. To be chosen for the festival means our work truly stood out.”
Wiebe Faber believes the production was selected for both its quality and its message. “The adjudicators responded to the strong design work and powerful performances,” she says. “They were also impressed by the way this show sparked conversation beyond the theatre. At its core, ‘An Enemy of the People’ asks what the truth is worth—a question that remains deeply relevant today.”
“An Enemy of the People” is one of four productions in Region Five to be selected for performance. The Region Five festival is an annual event that includes undergraduate and graduate students from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The other selected productions come from Cottey College, North Dakota State University and South Dakota State University.
In addition to staging “An Enemy of the People,” Northwestern theatre students will also participate in workshops and competitions that include stage design, directing, dramaturgy, acting and playwriting. The theatre department is currently raising funds to help offset the cost of transporting the full production to the festival. Those interested in supporting the students’ participation can give online at nwciowa.edu/give2nwc using the designation “Other” and entering “ACTF.”
