Famous Last Words. Slingsby’s Hall of Possibility. 18 Sep 2026
Henrik Ibsen was a 19th Century theatre rebel who introduced realism into European theatre and mightily shattered norms and expectations in a fashion thoroughly pissing off the establishment.
Social, relationship moral and political norms where challenged.
Enemy of The People is remarkably relevant to 21st Century era of truth bending, self interest wealth building, populism threatening the environment, community safety, among many things. In Adelaide right now, it’s hugely relevant as people wonder is it safe to swim in the sea.
Director/Playwright James Watson has taken the central plot structure of the play, working to bend it into something where the audience has an involvement. A town has an expensive Spa operating. An economic boon. But local Doctor Thomas Stockman’s (James Starbuck) been doing qualitative testing and discovered not all looks very healthy.
To expose it or not?
When your sister Martha (Kate Owen) is Mayor and politically invested in it, with property developer Alice Aslaksen (Bonet Fimeri) hovering nervously about looking for an in angle favouring her?
What ensues is a battle royal between family members, media friends. Moral certainty is pressured by amoral financial interest and shifting priorities as Thomas produces a damaging report, engages Journalist Hannah Hovstad (Virginia Blackwell) to get it to the public.
It’s a snappy, fast moving, vicious little production. Watson stages it in the round, with cast taking seats at stage corners when not on, ensuring the drama really flares both on entrance and exit.
At times, it seems the level each scene plays at is static. That improves later in the work.
Yet each character’s psychological journey towards amoral compliance, self interest alongside impending martyrdom for Thomas, is deftly and despairingly developed. Most sad of all, is Thomas’ wife Kate (Emelia Williams.) Most shocking, Kate’s brother Morten Keel (Eliza Barnes.)
Steven Durey’s Lighting is raw and powerful, utilising light banks at all corners of the stage. Even house lights have their dramatic place.
Audience involvement in this space and as it’s done is somewhat problematic. The democracy in action, community hall intent is clear. In a small audience space, it doesn’t have the impact it could have, needing some more consideration of how it’s built into its ultimate purpose, crucifying Thomas personally and professionally as an enemy of the people.
Nonetheless, Enemy of The People does its job of successfully engaging and stimulating thinking about how the modern world is functioning for the worst, one in which the community is not really invited to offer solutions.
David O’Brien
Where: Slingsby’s Hall of Possibility
When: 17 - 26 September
Bookings: events.humanitix.com
